GOP Accuses DOJ of 'Intimidating' Witness in Hunter Biden Probe
House Republicans who are investigating Pres. Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, this weekend accused the US Dept of Justice (DOJ) of obstructing their probe by intimidating a key witness in the case.
Facts
- House Republicans who are investigating Pres. Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, this weekend accused the US Dept of Justice (DOJ) of obstructing their probe by intimidating a key witness in the case.1
- These accusations came after federal prosecutors in New York on Saturday wrote to Judge Ronnie Abrams asking her to schedule a date for the imprisonment of Devon Archer, a longtime business partner of Hunter who was set to testify at a House Oversight Committee session Monday.2
- In 2018, Archer was convicted of two felonies for his role in defrauding a Native American tribe. His sentence was postponed under appeal, but last week the Second Circuit Court of Appeals upheld his one-year sentence.2
- Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), chairman of the oversight committee, called the prosecutors’ letter “odd” and “very troubling,” and alleged it was part of a wider DOJ attempt to intimidate Archer and stifle the Hunter Biden investigation.3
- Archer’s lawyers confirmed his presence Monday as planned to answer Congress’ questions.2
- Meanwhile, New York prosecutors made another filing to Adams on Sunday, saying the government did not request the defendant surrender prior to his Congressional testimony.4
Sources: 1Newsweek, 2POLITICO, 3FOX News, and 4Red State.
Narratives
- Republican narrative, as provided by New York Post. It’s no coincidence this request came from the DOJ before Archer’s imminent testimony. Pres. Biden has politicized the DOJ, as evidenced by the charges against former Pres. Trump as well as the dropping charges against Biden-donor Sam Bankman-Fried. The DOJ probably can’t sink any lower.
- Democratic narrative, as provided by Politico. Republicans are floating conspiracy theories again. No one believes the DOJ’s request and Archer’s looming testimony are linked, not even Archer. Even if granted, the request wouldn’t have prevented Archer from testifying, and Republicans know that but — as always — strive to cast the president in a negative light.
