Hunter Biden tentatively pleaded not guilty to two tax offenses. President Joe Biden's son did not acknowledge evading federal income taxes in 2017 and 2018.
Federal Judge Maryellen Noreika rejected a plea agreement that Hunter Biden made with Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors because she had doubts about the constitutionality of the agreement. That deal - reached on June 20 - consisted of President Joe Biden's son avoiding jail time for felony purchase and possession of a firearm in exchange for pleading guilty to tax crimes.
Despite pleading not guilty, Justice Department prosecutors claim that the investigation into Hunter Biden is ongoing, although they did not elaborate on the reasons for that investigation.
What Hunter Biden did acknowledge during the hearing was that he knew he had not paid his taxes and that he worked for the Ukrainian company Burisma.
White House: "It's a personal matter"
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre disassociated the federal administration from the case and assured that Hunter Biden's case is "a personal matter" during Wednesday's press conference:
Hunter Biden is a private citizen, and this was a personal matter for him. As we have said, the president, the first lady, they love their son and they support him as he continues to rebuild his life. This case was handled independently, as all of you know, by the Justice Department under the leadership of a prosecutor appointed by the former president, President Trump.
"So for anything further, as you know, and we've been very consistent from here, I'd refer you to the Department of Justice and to Hunter's representatives who is his legal team, obviously, who can address any of your questions," Jean-Pierre added.
