US Attorney General Merrick Garland has announced the appointment of a special counsel to investigate President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden. David Weiss, the federal prosecutor in charge of the case, will now have expanded powers and resources to pursue the investigation further.
The decision comes after a plea deal on tax and gun charges against Hunter Biden collapsed earlier this month. Republicans have been calling for an inquiry into Hunter Biden’s business dealings, and the appointment of a special counsel is seen as a significant step in that direction.
Speaking at a news conference at the Department of Justice, Mr. Garland explained that he made the move in response to a request from Mr. Weiss. The new designation will provide the prosecutor with extra resources and the ability to bring further charges beyond the state of Delaware.
It is worth noting that the investigation into Hunter Biden’s activities has already been ongoing for five years. The special counsel’s report, according to Mr. Garland, will be made as public as possible once the work is completed.
The appointment of Mr. Weiss reinforces for the American people the department’s commitment to both independence and accountability in particularly sensitive matters, said Mr. Garland.
Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Chris Clark, expressed confidence that his client would eventually find resolution and be able to move on with his life successfully.