House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R) won’t let Hunter Biden play by his own rules.
Earlier this month, the House Oversight Committee and House Judiciary Committee subpoenaed the first son to testify about his overseas business dealings and allegations the Biden family acted corruptly.
On Tuesday, Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, responded to the subpoena with a letter confirming his client would testify — but only if he gets to set the ground rules.
Lowell told the committee that Hunter is prepared to “answer any pertinent and relevant question you or your colleagues might have.” But Lowell said that his client will only appear in a public hearing to avoid an alleged “cloaked, one-sided process.”
“A public proceeding would prevent selective leaks, manipulated transcripts, doctored exhibits, or one-sided press statements,” Lowell claimed.
“We have seen you use closed-door sessions to manipulate, even distort the facts and misinform the public,” he wrote. “We therefore propose opening the door. If, as you claim, your efforts are important and involve issues that Americans should know about, then let the light shine on these proceedings.”
It’s not clear what evidence there is to prove how the committee has “manipulated transcripts” or “doctored exhibits,” and Lowell did not offer any to support his lofty accusations.
Moreover, the depositions the committee has taken as part of its investigation thus far have been conducted behind closed doors, and Lowell did not explain why his client deserves special treatment.
The New York Times explained Biden’s strategy behind the letter:
Should Mr. Biden speak publicly in the House under oath, he would be taking risks, both criminally and politically. He is the subject of a federal criminal investigation now being led by a special counsel, and he is under indictment on charges of lying about his drug use on a federal form he filled out to purchase a handgun in 2018. Any testimony he provides to Congress could be used against him.
Mr. Biden has also engaged in activities — leveraging his father’s status for profit, accepting expensive gifts from overseas interests, failing to pay taxes on time, drug use and prostitution — that while already well documented could be politically damaging to President Biden’s re-election efforts if they become the focus of additional attention.
Unfortunately for Biden, the committee will not let the first son dictate how he appears before Congress. In a statement, Comer called Biden’s bluff and made it clear he is still required to comply with the subpoena.
“Hunter Biden is trying to play by his own rules instead of following the rules required of everyone else. That won’t stand with House Republicans,” Comer said.
“Our lawfully issued subpoena to Hunter Biden requires him to appear for a deposition on December 13,” he added. “We expect full cooperation with our subpoena for a deposition but also agree that Hunter Biden should have the opportunity to testify in a public setting at a future date.”
Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!