In the latest development in the ongoing legal troubles surrounding Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden's son, Republicans, led by former President Donald Trump, are seizing on the opportunity to use the case as a political weapon. Trump, who is facing his own legal battles, has used the allegations against Hunter Biden to support his unsubstantiated claims of the president's involvement in an influence peddling scheme, labeling the father-son duo the "Biden crime family."
President Biden has chosen not to address the matter directly, avoiding questions from reporters. He has dismissed previous inquiries into his son's case as "a bunch of lies." Hunter Biden has not yet been arraigned on the latest charges, and it remains unclear when the case will proceed.
In addition to the criminal charges, Hunter Biden has been subpoenaed for a deposition on Capitol Hill. However, there is a standoff between him and Republican lawmakers, with Hunter offering to testify publicly while House Oversight Chairman James Comer and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan insisting on closed-door questioning. The chairmen have warned of contempt of Congress proceedings if Hunter Biden fails to appear.
Meanwhile, the House is set to vote on authorizing impeachment proceedings next week, although the specific potential articles of impeachment have not been outlined. The impact of an impeachment inquiry on the political landscape remains uncertain, with some Republicans warning that it could backfire and some Democrats downplaying the threat.
Republicans are largely banking on Biden's guilt by association, hoping to convince voters that there is something amiss within the House of Biden. However, it may be a challenging vote for some Republicans representing districts that Biden won in the 2020 election. Representative Ken Buck of Colorado, who is not seeking reelection, has publicly expressed doubts about connecting Joe Biden to his son's alleged corruption.
Amidst all of this, former President Trump is also facing legal battles on multiple fronts, including charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Despite these cases, Trump continues to enjoy support from his base, with several polls indicating him leading Biden in key swing states. However, some Republicans caution that Trump's own legal woes could harm his campaign.
As for Hunter Biden, the latest indictment accuses him of evading taxes while living a lavish lifestyle. The prosecutor leading the investigation was appointed as a special counsel earlier this year, indicating that the inquiry will likely extend into the election year. The full impact of these legal issues on Biden's campaign and the overall race remains to be seen.