Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, has reached an agreement with the Department of Justice regarding two federal tax charges and a firearms charge. Hunter Biden’s lawyer confirmed the plea agreement, stating that he will take responsibility for the failure to file tax payments. The firearms charge will be subject to a pretrial diversion agreement, which allows for rehabilitation instead of prison time. The charge stems from Hunter Biden’s possession of a handgun while being a drug user, which violates federal law and carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Hunter Biden’s lawyer expressed his client’s acknowledgment of the mistakes made during a period of turmoil and addiction, emphasizing his commitment to recovery. The planned agreements were outlined by justice department prosecutors and will require approval from a federal judge. The deal is expected to bring an end to a long-running federal investigation into Hunter Biden’s personal and professional dealings, which has been a political challenge for his father and has led to criticism and conspiracy theories from the right.
The White House spokesperson stated that President Joe Biden and the First Lady continue to support their son as he rebuilds his life. The federal investigation, which began in 2018, has focused on Hunter Biden’s foreign business deals following his father’s tenure as vice president. Throughout his father’s presidential campaign, Hunter Biden’s battles with addiction became more public. He has attributed these struggles, in part, to the death of his brother in 2015.
Although President Joe Biden has not been implicated in any wrongdoing, allegations against his son have been used by his Republican opponents to suggest wider misconduct. House Republicans are conducting a separate investigation into Hunter Biden. Republican Representative James Comer, who is leading the congressional investigation, criticized the plea agreement, claiming that there is evidence of corruption, influence peddling, and possible bribery involving the Bidens.
Former President Donald Trump, addressing the issue on his Truth Social platform, dismissed the Hunter Biden deals as insignificant. Trump himself is currently facing state and federal charges in separate cases and ongoing criminal investigations.
The timing of Hunter Biden’s appearance in the Delaware court where the agreements will be filed remains unclear, as he currently resides in California.
