Devon Archer, a former business associate of Hunter Biden who was scheduled to testify at a Republican-led House hearing on Joe Biden’s alleged “abuse of power”, declined the invitation.
Archer’s lawyer said there was insufficient time to prepare for the high-profile public hearing.
“It is not remotely reasonable to ask an important witness in what is sure to be a closely watched public hearing that the Committee has provocatively entitled ‘Influence Peddling: Examining Joe Biden’s Abuse of Public Office’ to prepare witness testimony in one business day, and to prepare to give public testimony in less than three days—particularly when he is traveling,” attorney Matthew Schwartz wrote.
Schwartz wrote that the invitation “was never sent to me, and as you well know (and as the lawyer to whom you sent the letter has confirmed), I have been the only lawyer to represent Mr. Archer in the Committee’s work, including representing him at the July interview.”
Schwartz said, “Mr. Archer remains ready and willing to cooperate with all authorities in their legitimate investigations, just as he has already done repeatedly with both House and DOJ investigators.”
Another witness, Tony Bobulinski, agreed to testify in person, while Jason Galanis would appear remotely from prison.
Hunter Biden declined unless relatives of Donald Trump also testified.
Republicans have targeted Hunter Biden in their impeachment inquiry against Joe Biden, seeking evidence the president was involved in his son’s business dealings, but previous witness testimony provided no direct proof.
Their case was also weakened after a key informant was indicted for lying to the FBI about the Bidens.
