Hunter Biden investigation: Coons stands by Garland following whistleblower claims
Ryan King
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Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) expressed confidence in Attorney General Merrick Garland following allegations from an IRS agent and prospective whistleblower alleging there has been “preferential treatment” in the Hunter Biden inquiry.
The agent’s attorney Mark Lytle revealed last week his client wanted to furnish evidence that would “contradict sworn testimony to Congress by a senior political appointee,” who was later identified as Garland in multiple reports. Coons stressed the importance of whistleblower protections, but backed Garland.
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“President Biden from the days he was campaigning to his first days as president made it clear that he thought restoring the independence of the Department of Justice, removing any political influence for potential investigations was a core value,” Coons said on CBS’s Face The Nation. “I am confident that has conducted himself appropriately here.”
Garland insisted under oath that Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss, who is overseeing an inquiry surrounding the younger Biden, had the authority to charge him criminally, but Republicans have questioned the accuracy of that assertion.
The agent reportedly contended that the federal investigation into first son Hunter Biden was dogged by “politics,” but the specific allegations remain somewhat murky. Coons echoed the talking points of numerous Democrats affirming support for whistleblowers broadly.
“That’s part of what we’ve put in place over many years. A system that allows career folks who work in different federal agencies the chance to blow the whistle and testify if they see something wrong,” Coons said. ”I’ll remind you nothing’s been presented yet. This person hasn’t come forward in any detail.”
Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin (D-IL) previously emphasized that his panel is taking accusations from the whistleblower seriously. Coons also sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
At issue appears to be the federal investigation of whether the younger Biden committed tax crimes. The unnamed IRS agent is seeking to testify before Congress and lay out the allegations.
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Hunter Biden’s lawyers are reportedly slated to meet with Justice Department officials this week.
In addition to the tax investigation, federal authorities have been investigating his alleged lying on a form for the purchase of a firearm. Congressional Republicans have also been scrutinizing the Biden family’s overseas business dealings.