U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland faced direct questioning regarding the recent plea deal reached between Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden’s son, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding federal gun and tax charges.
The deal allows Hunter Biden to avoid imprisonment by pleading guilty to two tax misdemeanors and entering into a probation agreement for a gun charge with the DOJ.
When asked about the level of punishment given to Hunter Biden, Garland directed the reporter to the U.S. Attorney overseeing the case for inquiries about the investigation’s outcome.
“From the moment of my appointment as attorney general, I would leave this matter in the hands of the United States Attorney, who was appointed by the previous president, and assigned to this matter by the previous administration, that he would be given full authority to decide the matter as he decided was appropriate, and that’s what he’s done,” Garland said, according to the video clip.
“Do [Pres. Trump’s and Hunter Biden’s cases] reflect a different standard of justice depending on political leanings?”
Biden AG Merrick Garland: “I would leave this matter in the hands of the United States Attorney.” pic.twitter.com/Lw2tXEwXzg
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 21, 2023
The charges against Hunter Biden stem from a lengthy investigation by the Federal District of Delaware into allegations of unpaid taxes and providing false information on a federal firearm application.
Hunter Biden is also under scrutiny in other investigations, including his involvement with a Ukrainian energy company while serving on its board.
Numerous Republican presidential candidates, including Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and conservative radio personality Larry Elder, have criticized the DOJ’s agreement with Hunter Biden, calling it a “favorable deal” and a “two-tiered justice system.”
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina argued that Biden’s legal treatment was too lenient, while former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley raised concerns, suggesting that it raises more questions than it answers.
