Finally, Hunter Biden will speak under oath with House Republicans.
The son of the president of the United States will testify before the House committees leading the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden for alleged corruption.
The date to appear is set for February 28, which is expected to be a pivotal day in the Republican investigations.
Hunter agreed to testify before the committees after failing to testify on December 13, when he put on a show outside Congress by calling a press conference while defying the efforts of Republican legislators waiting for him inside the chamber.
Republicans publicly said they would hold Hunter Biden in contempt for failing to testify. However, accepting testimony behind closed doors may prevent lawmakers from accusing the president's son of not following House orders.
"We look forward to Hunter Biden's testimony," House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) said in a joint statement with Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY).
🚨Comer & Jordan Statement on Hunter Biden Deposition
“Hunter Biden will appear before our committees for a deposition on February 28, 2024. His deposition will come after several interviews with Biden family members and associates. We look forward to Hunter Biden’s testimony.”…
— Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) January 18, 2024
"His deposition will come after several interviews with Biden family members and associates," the legislators added, explaining that they will interview Mervyn Yan, Rob Walker, Joey Langston, Eric Schwerin and Tony Bobulinski between January 22 and February 5. All of them are associated with Hunter Biden and his businesses abroad.
The Republican impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden addresses the president's connections to his relatives' shady dealings abroad, especially those of his son in China, Ukraine and other countries. It also analyzes a possible cover-up or differential treatment by the Department of Justice during the investigations against Joe and Hunter Biden.
According to the New York Post tabloid, "Hunter Biden is likely to invoke his Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate himself during his testimony, especially as he faces federal tax charges in Los Angeles and weapons charges in Delaware."
Likewise, after the private hearing, Republicans and Hunter Biden may agree to another public statement that will surely garner national attention.
In fact, Hunter Biden's legal team had pushed for a public statement and not a private one. Republicans insisted on not giving differential treatment and organizing a private audience with the president's son first.
