Firearm Charge Throws a Wrench into Hunter Biden's Plea Deal: Political Showdown Continues

The prearranged plea deal for Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden's son, hit a major roadblock. The charges pertained to two tax evasion allegations and a separate, more significant charge of firearm possession. U.S. District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika, appointed by President Trump, voiced concerns regarding the firearm possession charge agreement, leading to the plea deal's collapse, at least temporarily.

Hunter Biden, whose business activities have been under prolonged scrutiny, was charged with two misdemeanor tax crimes. These charges implicated him in evading over $100,000 in taxes from an income of over $1.5 million in both 2017 and 2018. An agreement was previously reached with prosecutors, with a recommendation of two years of probation on the table.

Furthermore, Biden was charged with felony firearm possession, given his status as a known drug user. He reportedly possessed a Colt Cobra .38 Special for a brief 11-day period in October 2018. An agreed diversion agreement meant that Biden would not formally plead guilty to the charge. Should he abide by the agreement terms, the case would be dismissed from his record. However, a failure to comply would result in the deal's retraction. Notably, the charge carries a potential sentence of 10 years imprisonment. Judge Noreika expressed apprehension over the diversion agreement's wording, particularly the clauses outlining non-prosecution for future tax crimes. She encouraged attorneys to reconvene and reconsider the deal.

While this deal was intended to lift the cloud over Hunter Biden and prevent a trial that would inevitably bring incessant headlines, it has only fueled political turmoil. Republicans are arguing that Biden was handed a lenient deal while investigations against President Trump, the leading GOP presidential candidate for 2024, proceed. Trump is embroiled in a state criminal case in New York and a federal indictment in Florida. Furthermore, recent correspondences from special counsel Jack Smith insinuate that Trump might soon face additional federal charges about his alleged attempts to maintain power following his election loss in 2020 to Joe Biden.

Republicans argue that a clear double standard exists. They contend that while the president's son has been let off lightly, the president's political rival, Trump, has been unjustly targeted. Republicans in Congress are committed to their independent investigations into every aspect of Hunter Biden's dealings, including foreign payments.

Two photos of thousands from Hunter Biden’s laptop associated with his investigation File Photo

Last Tuesday, a controversy emerged when Republicans from the House Ways and Means Committee filed court documents urging Judge Noreika to consider the testimonies of IRS whistleblowers alleging interference from the Justice Department in the investigation. In the wake of this motion, a court clerk received a request to keep sensitive grand jury, taxpayer, and Social Security information under seal. This led to Judge Noreika demanding the defense team provide reasoning to avoid sanctions for alleged misrepresentations.

President Biden has largely remained silent on the matter, except for expressing pride in his son. Despite the scandal, Hunter Biden's lawyer, Christopher Clark, stated last month that it was important for Biden to accept responsibility for his past mistakes amid periods of turmoil and addiction and to focus on recovery and moving forward.