U.S. News
Hunter Biden skipping deposition sets stage for charges, former official says
By Jake Beardslee · December 14, 2023
In brief…
- Former official says Garland will have to charge Hunter Biden after he skips deposition
- Prosecutor accused of shielding Biden to testify to Judiciary Committee
- IRS whistleblowers alleging interference to appear before separate hearing
- Comes as GOP lawmakers advance impeachment probe into Biden family dealings
Former Trump administration official Matt Whitaker argued that Attorney General Merrick Garland will have to indict Hunter Biden for contempt after the president’s son skipped his deposition before the House Oversight Committee.
The federal prosecutor accused of limiting questions about President Biden during the investigation into Hunter Biden’s taxes and foreign business dealings is set to testify behind closed doors before the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday, according to Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). Meanwhile, the IRS whistleblowers who blew the whistle on the prosecutor’s alleged interference will speak at a separate hearing, Jordan said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley Wolf was subpoenaed last month and will face lawmakers’ questions at 10 a.m., Jordan told reporters.
IRS supervisor Gary Shapley and agent Joseph Ziegler, who have alleged political meddling in the Hunter Biden probe, will testify at 10:30 a.m. during an executive session of the House Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.).
Shapley claimed Wolf sought to block questions about “dad” and the “big guy,” apparent references to President Biden. Wolf allegedly said questions about the president were not relevant and distressed the FBI agents working the case.
In 2020, Wolf initially agreed there was probable cause to search Hunter Biden’s home but later backtracked due to “optics,” Shapley testified. She also tipped off Biden’s lawyers before agents searched his storage locker, the whistleblower said.
The sessions come as House Republicans ramp up their impeachment investigation into President Biden’s alleged role in his son’s international business operations.