David Weiss Criticizes Presidential Pardon, Defends Hunter Biden's Prosecution

Special Counsel David Weiss released a final report detailing his investigation into Hunter Biden's tax and gun charges and expressed strong opposition to President Biden's decision to pardon him.

According to TheHill.com, Weiss underscored his determination to uphold justice regardless of political controversies and criticisms that surrounded his investigation.

Weiss, who initially began the investigation as a U.S. Attorney before becoming Special Counsel, has faced scrutiny throughout the process, especially from Republican lawmakers. The investigation culminated with Hunter Biden pleading guilty to tax charges, admitting he evaded $1.4 million in taxes on $7 million in income over four years. Additionally, a jury unanimously convicted him on gun charges in Delaware, though a plea deal on these charges was previously rejected by a judge.

Weiss Condemns Presidential Actions

President Biden’s decision to issue a full pardon for his son on December 1 did not sit well with Weiss. Weiss staunchly defended his judicial decisions, stating, “I prosecuted the two cases against Mr. Biden because he broke the law.” He emphasized the findings of a unanimous jury that supported the gun charges conviction and reiterated Hunter Biden’s admission to tax offenses.

Critically, Weiss highlighted his commitment to impartiality, asserting that his decisions were driven solely by the facts and law, independent of political influence or pressure. He stated, “I never considered whether my decisions would be viewed favorably or unfavorably by any politicians.”

Tax Evasion And Gun Charge Challenges

The report detailed how Hunter's failure to pay taxes stemmed from choices to sustain a luxurious lifestyle over fulfilling tax obligations. Weiss expressed that Hunter adopted deceitful tactics, including lying to accountants and masking personal expenses as business deductions.

The controversy extended beyond Hunter Biden’s actions. The investigation also ensnared Alexander Smirnov, who, implicating the Bidens under false pretenses, faced his own charges. Smirnov’s actions resulted in a six-year prison sentence after being exposed for fabricating conspiracies about the Bidens.

Criticisms From Hunter Biden’s Attorney

Abbe Lowell, Hunter Biden’s attorney, lashed out against Weiss's report, claiming it conveniently omitted critical elements. Lowell took issue with the collapse of a plea agreement concerning gun charges, labeling it a sudden reversal orchestrated by Weiss.

The attorney accused prosecutors of pursuing baseless conspiracies propagated by a Russian operative, which he argued unnecessarily extended the investigation.

Republican Criticism And Weiss's Defense

Complaints from Republicans surfaced, alleging Weiss had deliberately delayed the investigation’s progress. Throughout the inquiry, two IRS whistleblowers alleged that the Justice Department failed to pursue aggressive tax charges against Hunter Biden.

These circumstances fueled Republican strategies to impeach President Biden, entwining the investigation in further political scrutiny. Yet, Representative Jamie Raskin dismissed these endeavors as groundless, partisan efforts. He referenced the investigation’s origins under a Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney, underscoring that it served as evidence against baseless impeachment claims.

President Biden’s Pardon Decision

President Biden defended his choice to pardon his son by expressing concerns over political influence tainting the justice process. He remarked that his decision was made after coming to terms with what he viewed as a miscarriage of justice influenced by political factors.

The president’s decision marks a continuation of a historical trend where presidential pardons have been extended to family members. Yet, according to Weiss, it was atypical to criticize Justice Department officials based solely on allegations he described as unfounded.

Continued Debate Over Investigation's Integrity

As the saga unfolds, Weiss maintains that his probe into Hunter Biden adhered strictly to legal protocols without succumbing to external political pressure. His final report seeks to affirm his record, despite criticisms from various political circles.

This extensive investigation stands as a testament to the ongoing clash between legal proceedings and political dynamics in Washington. The fallout from the presidential pardon continues to reverberate across party lines, highlighting divisions in perceptions of justice and accountability.

The discord signaled by Weiss's report and the contrasting remarks from Hunter Biden’s legal team paint a complex picture of the intersection between law enforcement and political discretion, leaving the American public to navigate the murky waters of justice in politically charged times.