Hunter Biden Defies Congressional Subpoena, Demands Public Testimony

Washington - Hunter Biden, son of the Democratic president, has refused a congressional subpoena to attend a private deposition requested by Republican investigators probing his business affairs. He has made it clear that he will only provide testimony in a public setting.

Biden criticized the GOP-issued subpoena, expressing concerns about potential selective leaks and manipulation of information obtained during closed-door interviews. In a rare public statement outside the Capitol, he questioned the intentions of Republicans, asking, "What are they afraid of? I am here."

Republican Representative James Comer of Kentucky, who chairs the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, demanded "full cooperation" for the private deposition. Comer, alongside Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, leader of the House Judiciary Committee, stated that they would explore contempt of Congress proceedings in response to Hunter Biden's lack of cooperation. Comer emphasized that Biden's failure to comply has only further complicated matters for him.

GOP lawmakers have embarked on an impeachment inquiry aimed at establishing a connection between President Joe Biden and his son's business dealings. However, they have thus far failed to uncover any direct evidence implicating the elder Biden in any wrongdoing.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that President Biden is aware of what his son intends to say during the deposition. "I think that what you saw was from the heart, from his son," she commented. "They are proud of their son."

Democrats stand united against the Republican impeachment efforts, dismissing them as an "illegitimate exercise" designed solely to divert attention from the chaos and dysfunction within the GOP.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, the leading Democrat on the Oversight and Accountability Committee, highlighted the unique situation facing the U.S. House of Representatives. "This impeachment inquiry lacks a clear definition of the criminal or constitutional offense they are seeking," Raskin noted.

Questions Surrounding the Biden Family's International Business

Questions have recently emerged regarding the ethics of the Biden family's international business ventures. Lawmakers are raising concerns about the potential for "influence peddling" in their dealings, especially with clients abroad.

Denials of Financial Involvement

Hunter Biden, the son of President Biden, staunchly denies any allegations of financial involvement in his business. He asserts that there is no evidence to support these claims.

Legal Troubles

In addition to these ethical concerns, Hunter Biden is currently facing criminal charges in two states. A special counsel is overseeing a long-running investigation, and Hunter Biden has been charged with firearm counts in Delaware. These charges stem from alleged violations of laws against drug users possessing guns in 2018, a time when he openly acknowledged his struggle with addiction.

Moreover, the special counsel has filed additional charges against Hunter Biden. Last week, he was hit with nine new tax counts, accusing him of orchestrating a scheme to evade payment of approximately $1.4 million in taxes over a span of three years.

Impeachment Inquiry

Representative Jordan expressed his anticipation for the impending vote, stating that Mr. Biden's counsel and the White House have cited the lack of a formal impeachment inquiry as their reason for not participating in a deposition. However, with the vote expected within hours, Jordan indicated that he is curious to see what their excuse will be after the vote passes.

White House Response

Throughout this process, the White House has dismissed it as a partisan smear campaign orchestrated by Republicans. They argue that Republicans are persisting with their efforts despite members of their own party admitting the absence of evidence to support President Biden's impeachment.