Senator John Kennedy questioned Attorney General Merrick Garland in a Senate hearing about the DOJ allowing the statute of limitations to expire on alleged tax crimes by Hunter Biden related to his work for Burisma Holdings in Ukraine.
Garland defended ongoing investigations led by special counsel David Weiss, appointed by Garland.
“Mr. Hunter Biden did not pay taxes on $1 million in 2014 and 2015…For hookers, for Lamborghini, for strip clubs, for sex clubs, for porn website memberships. Why did the Department of Justice let the statute of limitations run?” Kennedy asked.
Garland said, “As you well know, Senator, that investigation is being conducted by Mr. Weiss, who was appointed by President Trump to be the U.S. Attorney in Delaware…It’s now a special counsel. He will issue a report which will explain…”
“But we can’t… Mr. Hunter Biden walks free on not paying taxes on a million bucks from 2014 and 15 because the Department of Justice let it happen, right?” Kennedy cut in.
“I’m not going to know the intricacies of Mr. Weiss’ investigation. There would be no point. It’s Mr. Weiss who’s responsible for this investigation,” Garland said.
Weiss is investigating Hunter Biden for potential tax evasion and other charges.
Hunter was indicted in December 2023 on nine tax-related charges from 2016-2019.
As special counsel, Weiss has broad authority to pursue charges beyond Delaware.
Republicans argue the DOJ has been too lenient on the Biden family, while Democrats say this is a politically motivated attack.
The timing of the investigation could impact the 2024 presidential election.
