On Friday, House Republicans demanded that Hunter Biden appear for a closed-door deposition on Dec. 13, rejecting his demand to testify publicly in exchange for releasing a transcript of the private interview for transparency.
House Republicans demanded that Hunter Biden appear this month for a closed-door deposition, rejecting his offer to testify publicly while pledging to release a transcript of the private interview for transparency. https://t.co/s6MLSvnZ7I
— PBS NewsHour (@NewsHour) December 2, 2023
“The subpoenas Mr. Biden has received compel him to appear before the Committees for a deposition; they are not mere suggestions open to Mr. Biden’s interpretation or preference,” the Republican chairman wrote in a letter to attorney Abbe Lowell.
Biden refused their request for closed-door testimony, stating that it could be manipulated.
Biden attorney Abbe Lowell called the investigation into his client a “fishing expedition,” but offered for his client to appear publicly rather than behind closed doors, stating that closed sessions can be selectively leaked and used to manipulate facts.
“A public proceeding would prevent selective leaks, manipulated transcripts, doctored exhibits, or one-sided press statements,” Lowell said.
House Oversight Committee chairman James Comer (R-KY) and Judiciary Committee chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) wrote in a letter that they were conforming with the approach Republican and Democratic majorities had usually taken when deposing witnesses.
“Hunter Biden is trying to play by his own rules instead of following the rules required of everyone else,” said Comer. “That won’t stand with House Republicans.”
Comer stated Tuesday that Biden could testify publicly in the future, but he is expecting him to sit for a deposition on December 13 as written in the subpoena.
Questions have come up about the ethics surrounding the Biden family’s international business, and lawmakers insist their evidence paints a troubling picture of “influence peddling” in the family’s business dealings, particularly with clients overseas.
Investigators have obtained over 12,000 pages of financial records and conducted interviews with individuals who worked closely with Biden in various capacities.
The committee also submitted subpoenas to the Biden family members and others, including former business associate Rob Walker. The White House called for them to be withdrawn, questioning their legitimacy.
Republicans are considering holding a vote to formally authorize their inquiry in an effort to strengthen their legal standing if the subpoena battle goes to court.
