Global Courant 2023-05-06 07:00:00
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden defended his son Hunter as federal prosecutors reportedly approach a decision on whether to charge the president’s son with tax and gun violations after a four-year criminal investigation.
“First of all, my son has done nothing wrong,” Biden said in an interview with Stephanie Ruhle, host of “The 11th Hour on MSNBC.” “I trust him. I have faith in him.”
When asked how charges against his son could affect his presidency, Biden said he stands by Hunter.
“It affects my presidency by making me feel proud of him,” the president said.
Federal prosecutors are considering whether to charge Hunter Biden with two misdemeanor counts of failure to file taxes, a single misdemeanor count of tax evasion related to business expenses for a year in taxes, and the weapons charge, also a potential felony. Hunter Biden has said he has since reconciled overdue tax returns.
The White House has dismissed the allegations by an IRS special agent seeking whistleblower protection in the handling of the case. Aid workers insist Biden was not involved and that the president is keeping his promise not to politicize the Justice Department.
But any outcome could draw significant national attention to Biden and his family as the president begins a reelection campaign.
Hunter has denied wrongdoing in the tax case, saying he handled his affairs “legally and appropriately”.
The investigation has caught the attention of Republicans on Capitol Hill and former President Donald Trump, a leading contender for the 2024 GOP nomination, who have sought to tie Biden to his son’s business dealings with foreign governments.
The Justice Department’s expected decision comes after a four-year investigation.
