Attorney General Merrick Garland faced questions from House lawmakers regarding the Department of Justice’s handling of the criminal investigation into President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden. Garland claimed that he knew nothing about the case and refused to share any information with Congress.
During his appearance before the House Judiciary Committee, Garland repeatedly claimed ignorance about various key matters within the Justice Department. This includes whether FBI sources were present at the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, the federal prosecutions of former President Donald Trump, and special counsel David Weiss’ investigation of Hunter Biden for tax fraud and gun crimes.
The Republican lawmakers focused many of their questions on the Hunter Biden investigation, which has been ongoing for six years. Garland stated that he purposely kept himself out of the loop.
“I have intentionally not involved myself in the facts of the case, not because I’m trying to get out of responsibility but because I am trying to pursue my responsibility,” Garland told the committee.
Garland also claimed to be uninformed about other critical Justice Department investigations, such as the presence of FBI informants or agents at the January 6 Capitol riot. Former top FBI officials testified that numerous confidential FBI sources were present at the riot.
When questioned about conversations with Weiss regarding the Hunter Biden investigation, Garland claimed his memory failed him. He stated that he couldn’t recollect whether he had any personal contact with anyone at the FBI about the investigation.
Republicans pressed Garland further on this issue, highlighting the significant disparity in treatment between the Hunter Biden investigation and the investigations into Trump. Garland denied any bias and insisted that the Justice Department follows the rule of law and enforces it equally without regard to persons or parties.
Garland’s day-long testimony came after the House launched an impeachment inquiry into President Biden, accusing him of assisting his son in securing foreign business deals. Garland and Weiss were allegedly involved in obstructing IRS and FBI officials from pursuing evidence in Hunter Biden’s tax fraud case that could also incriminate the President.
Garland defended Weiss’ authority and independence as a special counsel and claimed that the decision about indictments was made by Weiss, not influenced by Biden or himself.
The hearing drew criticism from Democrats who characterized it as a sham and a clown show based on discredited whistleblowers. The investigation into Hunter Biden remains ongoing, and Garland declined to provide any further details or comments.
