Hunter Biden says he will be testifying before the House Oversight Committee but not in the way he was asked to. In response to a subpoena issued by committee Chair James Comer (R-KY), Biden’s attorneys confirmed his willingness to comply with the committee’s request for a closed-door testimony on Dec. 13, with one crucial condition – the hearing must be public.
This condition, the attorneys argued, would help prevent selective leaks, manipulated transcripts, doctored exhibits, or one-sided press statements.
“We have seen you use closed-door sessions to manipulate, even distort the facts and misinform the public. We, therefore, propose opening the door. If, as you claim, your efforts are important and involve issues that Americans should know about, then let light shine on the proceedings,” Hunter’s attorney Abbe Lowell wrote.
The letter also criticized the Republican-led investigation, describing it as an “empty investigation” that has gone on for too long, wasting valuable resources. It further stated, “From all the individuals you have requested depositions or interviews, all you will learn is that your accusations are baseless. However, the American people should see that for themselves.”
If the committee agrees with his offer, this would be the first time Biden would be under oath on a public forum. However, Republicans have disagreed with the condition, with Comer accusing the president’s son of “trying to play by his own rules instead of following the rules required of everyone else.” “That won’t stand with House Republicans,” the lawmaker stated.
While Comer did not dispute Hunter’s right to a public testimony, he emphasized that the lawfully issued subpoena for a closed-door deposition on Dec. 13 still stands.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) also took to X with a sarcastic anticipation for Hunter Biden’s Dec. 13 testimony, writing, “We are glad that Hunter Biden has decided to cooperate and we look forward to hearing from him in a deposition on Dec. 13 and subsequently at a public hearing.”
We are glad that Hunter Biden has decided to cooperate and we look forward to hearing from him in a deposition on December 13 and subsequently at a public hearing.
— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) November 28, 2023
He later tweeted, “Donald Trump Jr. sat for two depositions with Congress. Why can’t Hunter Biden?”
Donald Trump Jr. sat for two depositions with Congress.
Why can’t Hunter Biden?
— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) November 28, 2023
The investigation, which is part of the probe into the Biden family’s business dealings, has cast a wide net, subpoenaing not only Hunter but also the president’s brother, James Biden, and his business associate, Rob Walker. The committee has sought interviews with various members of the Biden family, including Hunter’s wife, Melissa Cohen; James Biden’s wife, Sara Biden; and the widow of President Biden’s son, Beau, Hallie Biden, who was previously romantically involved with Hunter.
