Devon Archer
via On Demand News
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.
Biden’s Abuse
via NBC News
“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.
Willing to cooperate
via NBC News
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.”
Biden-impeachment
via NBC News
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.
Targeted Hunter Biden
via NBC News
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.
Testify publicly
via NBC News
The Biden impeachment inquiry has encountered a significant development as the Republican-led House Oversight Committee has extended an invitation to President Biden to testify publicly amid a stall in the proceedings. The committee’s chairman, Rep. James Comer, has called for the President to appear on April 16, although it is anticipated that President Biden will decline the invitation.
Foreign business dealings
via NBC News
The impeachment inquiry has revolved around allegations of President Biden’s involvement in his family members’ foreign business dealings while he was vice president. Despite their efforts, Republicans have struggled to uncover evidence of impeachable offenses, leading to rising doubts within their own party about the viability of the investigation.
Setback
via NBC News
The inquiry faced a setback when President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, declined to testify publicly at a March hearing regarding the family’s alleged influence peddling.
Criticism
via NBC News
This decision was met with criticism from Republicans, with some labeling it a planned media event rather than a proper proceeding.
Sad stunt
via NBC News
Furthermore, the White House has dismissed the invitation for President Biden’s testimony as a “sad stunt at the end of a dead impeachment.”
Biden to testify
via NBC News
The invitation for President Biden to testify marks an extraordinary request, given that sitting presidents typically appear before Congress only once a year for the State of the Union address.
Heated debate
via NBC News
The development has sparked heated debate, with Democrats calling the inquiry a “circus” and urging Republicans to conclude the investigation, while Republicans assert the importance of putting the facts before the American people.
Business dealings
via NBC News
The letter inviting President Biden to testify relies on disputed claims and dubious assertions, including allegations related to foreign income sources and business dealings.
Fact checks
via NBC News
These claims have faced scrutiny, with fact checks highlighting inaccuracies and distortions in the Republicans’ arguments.
Continued focus
via NBC News
The continued focus on certain allegations, despite evidence to the contrary, has added complexity to the impeachment inquiry.
Impeachment inquiry continues
via NBC News
As the Biden impeachment inquiry continues, the decision to invite President Biden to testify publicly has intensified the political and legal dynamics surrounding the proceedings.
Challenges and controversies
via NBC News
The development underscores the challenges and controversies inherent in the impeachment process, with both sides of the political spectrum closely monitoring the unfolding events as the inquiry reaches a critical juncture.
