In a bold statement, Attorney General Merrick Garland addressed the allegations made by IRS whistleblowers regarding the Justice Department’s involvement in the investigation into Hunter Biden. Garland emphasized that attacks on the department’s independence are destructive and should be taken seriously.
The House Ways and Means Committee, led by Republicans, recently released a transcript of testimony from IRS official Gary Shapley. Shapley claimed that Garland had denied U.S. Attorney David Weiss’s request to be appointed special counsel in the Hunter Biden investigation. However, Garland asserted that Weiss never made such a request and always had the authority to bring charges against President Joe Biden’s son as he saw fit. Furthermore, Garland stated that the Justice Department would not impede Weiss from testifying before Congress if he chooses to do so.
Garland also addressed broader criticism from Republicans who argue that the recent plea agreement for Hunter Biden on tax and gun charges reflects political influence in the justice system. He vehemently denied these claims, emphasizing that attacking the integrity of the Justice Department undermines American democracy and the safety of its people.
In a separate statement, President Biden’s lawyer denounced the notion that the investigation into Hunter Biden’s dealings cut any corners and emphasized that drawing conclusions based on the Shapley transcript would be dangerously misleading.
The testimony from Shapley and another unnamed agent involved in the case revealed allegations of slow progress and delayed enforcement actions in the Hunter Biden investigation. However, it remains unclear whether this indicates internal disagreement or preferential treatment. Shapley stated that Weiss informed him and others during an October 2022 meeting that he had been denied special counsel status and lacked final authority in charging decisions. Shapley’s notes from the meeting, included in the released transcripts, prompted his representative to call for clarification from Weiss and the Justice Department.
Biden’s attorney dismissed claims that the investigation was not thorough as preposterous and deeply irresponsible.
The plea deal for Hunter Biden came shortly after the special counsel in the Trump case filed a significant 37-count indictment related to mishandling classified documents, which Trump has denied. Trump has criticized the Hunter Biden agreement, likening it to a minor traffic violation.
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