The House Oversight Committee has requested documents from a member of the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad regarding her purchase of artwork by Hunter Biden and her subsequent appointment to the Commission. Elizabeth Hirsh Naftali, a real estate investor and philanthropist, has been given until August 11 to comply with the Committee’s requests.
The Committee is seeking transparency regarding Naftali’s reported purchase of Hunter Biden’s art and her appointment to the commission. Committee Chairman James Comer expressed concerns about her position on the Commission, highlighting Hunter Biden’s previous actions to elevate his business partner, Eric Schwerin, to the same post while his father was Vice President.
Naftali was appointed to the Commission as an unpaid member by President Joe Biden in July 2022. Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, stated that there are industry standards preventing the artist from knowing the identity of buyers. However, in this case, Hunter Biden learned of Naftali’s purchase after the sale because they are friends. It is unclear whether the artwork was purchased before or after her appointment to the commission.
The Oversight Committee, however, is seeking further transparency, noting that visitor logs indicated multiple visits by Naftali to the White House since December 2021. Naftali reportedly also met with White House senior advisor Neera Tanden. Naftali is a Democratic donor, having contributed funds to President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign and the Democratic National Committee.
Hunter Biden has reportedly earned over $1 million from the sales of his artwork, with eleven pieces allegedly bought by an undisclosed buyer for nearly $900,000.
No comments have been provided by Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Elizabeth Hirsh Naftali, or the White House regarding the Committee’s request for documents.
In conclusion, the House Oversight Committee has requested documents related to the purchase of Hunter Biden’s artwork by Elizabeth Hirsh Naftali, a member of the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad. The Committee is seeking transparency regarding the purchase, Naftali’s appointment to the Commission, and her visits to the White House. Hunter Biden’s lawyer has stated that the artist is unaware of the buyers’ identities, but in this case, he learned of Naftali’s purchase after the sale. Naftali is a Democratic donor and has reportedly raised concerns among the Committee due to Hunter Biden’s previous actions in elevating his business partner to a similar post.
