David Weiss — the special counsel investigating Hunter Biden — is testifying in front of the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Here’s what to expect from Weiss’ behind-closed-doors transcribed interview.
Weiss is the U.S. attorney for Delaware and has been investigating President Joe Biden’s son since former President Donald Trump’s tenure. House Republicans have made Weiss a central figure of their oversight agenda, accusing the federal prosecutor of mishandling the Hunter Biden probe and allowing politics to interfere with his investigation.
Weiss’ goals: Weiss will be the first special counsel to testify in front of Congress during an ongoing investigation. Weiss is doing this to combat mischaracterizations of his work, according to his team.
“Mr. Weiss is prepared to take this unprecedented step of testifying before the conclusion of his investigation to make clear that he’s had and continues to have full authority over his investigation and to bring charges in any jurisdiction,” Special Counsel spokesperson Wyn Hornbuckle said in a statement.
Gary Shapley, an IRS whistleblower, testified to the House Oversight Committee that Weiss didn’t have full authority in the Hunter Biden case. Specifically, Shapley has argued that in an October 2022 meeting, Weiss told members of the investigation that he was not the one who decided whether to file charges or not.
Weiss is expected to strenuously deny this and maintain he had full authority over the inquiry.
One thing Weiss won’t divulge: Any details on how the Hunter Biden probe is currently unfolding.
“Consistent with department policy and the law, he will be unable to address the specifics of his investigation,” Hornbuckle said.
Zooming out: Taking a step back for a moment, it’s important to note that there is no evidence that the president had any involvement in Weiss’ investigation. Attorney General Merrick Garland granted Weiss special counsel authority in August. And Garland has maintained that the investigation is independent of political considerations.
Hornbuckle said Weiss will brief Congress after the investigation is closed and he’s finished his report, as is typical for special counsels.
— Max Cohen
