Podcast Summary
Biden family corruption investigations extend beyond Joe Biden: Media downplays significance of Biden family's questionable business dealings, raising concerns of influence peddling and corrupt practices, while overlooking the potential involvement of family members as intermediaries in bribery cases.
The media's handling of the Biden family corruption investigations is misleading and obscures the facts. Contrary to the media narrative, Joe Biden himself is not the only one under investigation for potential wrongdoing. His family members, particularly Hunter Biden, have been involved in questionable business dealings that came about shortly after Joe Biden became Vice President. These deals, which primarily involve collecting funds from overseas oligarchs, are not typical businesses with tangible assets or services. Instead, they raise serious concerns about influence peddling and corrupt practices. The media's focus on Joe Biden not receiving direct payments overlooks the fact that family members and spouses are often used as intermediaries in bribery cases. By downplaying the significance of these investigations and the unusual nature of the Biden family business dealings, the media is misinforming the public and creating confusion.
Judge Collapses Hunter Biden's Plea Deal Over FARA Concerns: Judge's concern over FARA violations led to collapse of Hunter Biden's plea deal, resulting in special counsel appointment and focus on tax evasion charges.
The plea agreement between the criminal defense attorney for Hunter Biden and the prosecutor, David Weiss, was labeled a "sweetheart deal" by many due to its leniency. However, this agreement was suddenly collapsed by a judge due to concerns over apparent violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Prosecutor Weiss had been investigating FARA violations related to Hunter Biden's representation of foreign corporations and dealings with his father, then-Vice President Joe Biden, for five years without taking action. The collapsed plea deal has now led to the appointment of a special counsel and actual prosecutions, focusing primarily on tax evasion charges against Hunter Biden. Critics argue that Weiss is focusing on minor charges while major issues and potential crimes remain unaddressed.
Investigations into Biden family corruption: Different approaches from prosecutors and Congress: While the special counsel investigates potential tax charges against Hunter Biden, Congress actively gathers evidence on financial transactions and business dealings in foreign countries, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the ongoing investigations due to differing approaches and commitment levels.
While there have been significant investigations into financial dealings involving Hunter Biden and potential tax charges, other serious allegations such as violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act and potential bribery or conspiracy to bribery have not been pursued with the same vigor by the appointed special counsel, David Weiss. Despite his increased autonomy and authority, there are concerns about Weiss's commitment to the investigation given past actions and allegations of tipping off Hunter Biden's team. Congress, on the other hand, has been actively gathering evidence related to the Biden family corruption through subpoena power and methodical investigation. The most significant pieces of evidence uncovered include potential financial transactions and business dealings in foreign countries. However, the lack of aggressiveness on the prosecutorial side raises questions about the effectiveness of the ongoing investigations.
Joe Biden and Son's Business Dealings with Ukrainian Company: Joe Biden may have pressured Ukrainian officials to fire a prosecutor in exchange for his son receiving a large annual retainer from a Ukrainian energy company, suggesting potential bribery.
There is evidence suggesting that Joe Biden may have been involved in actions related to his son Hunter Biden's business dealings with Ukrainian energy company Burisma, which could potentially amount to bribery. In 2014, Hunter Biden received a large annual retainer from Burisma, and in 2015, Burisma executives requested that Hunter Biden use his influence to have a Ukrainian prosecutor fired. According to testimony from Hunter Biden's business partner, Hunter and the executives discussed this request with Joe Biden in December 2015, and the prosecutor was fired in March 2016. Joe Biden later admitted to pressuring Ukrainian officials to make this firing happen. These events, as detailed by the congressional committee, provide strong indications of bribery, with Hunter Biden receiving payment for securing a specific action from his father. The testimony from Hunter Biden's business partner, Devin Archer, was particularly damaging as it directly linked the President to his son's business dealings. It is important to note that none of the individuals involved in these transactions have been granted immunity, so their statements may be limited in what they can explicitly reveal.
Biden family business dealings with Burisma and Joe Biden's reported income raise questions: Testimony suggests potential access to Joe Biden's ear was valuable for Burisma partners, while financial discrepancies regarding Biden's reported income from Celtic Capri during his campaign question his financial transparency
The testimony regarding Hunter Biden's business dealings with Burisma and the phone call made from Dubai to then-Vice President Joe Biden raises serious questions about the legitimacy of these business ventures. The appearance of access to the Vice President's ear seemed to be the primary value these business partners sought. Additionally, a financial discrepancy regarding Joe Biden's reported income from an LLC named Celtic Capri during his presidential campaign raises questions about potential financial misreporting or hiding of income. The inconsistency between his tax returns and financial disclosure form, totaling $5.2 million, remains unexplained. These issues highlight the need for transparency and accountability in the Biden family's financial dealings.
Allegations of financial impropriety against President Biden: Schweitzer believes Congress is right to investigate Biden's financial dealings, but doubts a conviction in the Senate due to current political climate. Biden may not run for re-election or be the Dem nominee in 2024 due to age or issue. Importance of transparency in politics.
The allegations of financial impropriety against President Joe Biden and his family are serious and could potentially lead to an impeachment inquiry. Peter Schweitzer, president of GAI and host of the Drill Down podcast, believes that the pattern of information emerging is clear and that Congress is taking the right approach by gathering more information. However, he doubts that there will be a conviction in the Senate due to the current political climate. Schweitzer also speculates that Biden may not be the Democrat candidate in 2024 due to age or this issue, and that more transparency regarding the commercial entanglements of elected officials is healthy for the country. Despite this, Schweitzer emphasizes the importance of letting the American people see the financial dealings of all elected officials, regardless of their name. Overall, the discussion highlights the potential implications of the allegations against Biden and the importance of transparency in politics.
