Hunter Biden and House GOP spar over possible testimony
Washington PostDec 01, 2023
Hunter Biden Defies House GOP Subpoena to Testify in Private
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The Facts
Speaking to reporters in front of the Capitol building Wednesday morning, US Pres. Joe Biden's son Hunter said he will defy Republican efforts to subpoena him for a closed-door deposition. Hunter Biden described the House Oversight and Judiciary Committee’s investigation as "illegitimate," and based upon "distortions, manipulated evidence and lies."
Hunter Biden, who has faced probes into his overseas business dealings and alleged tax evasion, also said his "father was not financially involved in my business," an allegation Republicans are seeking to use to bring about impeachment proceedings against the president. While Hunter Biden has said he's willing to testify in an open hearing, Republicans say he can't dictate the terms, also threatening to hold him in contempt.
The Spin
Republican narrative
Hunter's little stunt on Capitol Hill has only dug himself deeper into a hole. Besides opening himself up to contempt charges, the president's son also exposed his continual shifting of the goalposts concerning how involved his father was in his business dealings. Stating that his dad was not "financially" involved is much different than his previous claims; having previously asserted "no involvement" at all. Now, however, the world knows there were dinners and phone calls involving Joe Biden. It's time to charge Hunter Biden with contempt and pursue impeachment for Joe Biden.
Democratic narrative
The so-called bombshell evidence Republicans have tying Hunter and his father to corruption allegations is merely a money transfer reimbursement for truck payments. With that incredibly weak evidence in hand, it's no wonder why these far-right activist politicians want to hide their likely insignificant deposition from the public. This is a concerning GOP kangaroo court with so-called "evidence" being cherry-picked and absurdly taken out of context.
