The White House declined to say Wednesday whether President Joe Biden knew son Hunter would disrupt Republicans’ contempt hearing on Capitol Hill, a surprise move that resulted in chaos at the Capitol.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said she would not provide details of the president’s private conversations and argued that Hunter Biden is a private citizen who makes his own decisions.
“Hunter, as you all know, is a private citizen. He is not a member of this White House, but he makes his own decisions,” she said during her daily press conference.
It was an answer she gave repeatedly when reporters questioned her about Biden’s role in his son’s defense. She also declined to say whether Hunter, who lives in Los Angeles, stayed at the White House residence while in Washington DC.
“I will not comment on the president’s private conversation with his family,” Jean-Pierre said.
“Hunter, as you all know, is a private citizen. He is not a member of this White House, but he makes his own decisions,” White House Karine Jean-Pierre said during her daily news conference.
Hunter Biden caused chaos on Capitol Hill Wednesday morning when he made a surprise appearance at the House Oversight Committee as they prepared to vote to hold him in contempt of Congress for failing to participate in private testimony. Hunter had offered to testify publicly, but Republicans insisted he speak privately.
Jean-Pierre referred all questions to Hunter Biden’s own representatives.
But Fox News’ Peter Doocy asked her “how big a headache” it is for the White House that Hunter made a surprise appearance as part of its defense strategy against his numerous legal issues.
Jean-Pierre smiled as she repeated her previous answer: “Hunter Biden is a private citizen. He’s not in the White House because, you know, and I just don’t have anything else to say.”
Doocy continued, asking her why, if the White House said President Biden didn’t help Hunter with his business deals, why wouldn’t it say whether the president helped him “evade congressional subpoenas.”
“It’s not even true,” Jean-Pierre replied. ‘The fact that that is a leap is incredibly unfair in that question.
When Doocy asked her to help the American people understand the president’s role, the press secretary said, “I’ll help you.” I have nothing else to share.”
The White House has declined to comment publicly on Hunter Biden’s aggressive strategy against Republicans in the House of Representatives, who have accused President Biden of using his official position to enrich his family through Hunter’s companies.
Hunter Biden leaves a House hearing on Wednesday after briefly appearing in the chamber where Republicans urged him to be held in contempt of Congress
President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Hunter Biden and Beau Biden Jr. watching the fireworks during the 4th of July
President Biden, Hunter Biden and White House officials have repeatedly denied that the president had any involvement in his son’s financial affairs.
But Hunter’s business partner told Congress that Biden, who was then vice president, would be on the phone during Hunter’s meetings with clients — up to 20 times. The White House described these as informal conversations.
Hunter defended his father again Wednesday when asked why he was on the phone with his father during business meetings.
‘Do you have a father? Does he call you? Will you answer the phone?’ he said as he left the hearing.
Hunter spent about 17 minutes with his attorneys during the hearings on Wednesday. He walked out as Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia began speaking about his business deals and the ongoing impeachment inquiry into the president.
“Hunter Biden is terrified of strong conservative Republican women because he can’t even face my words,” said Greene, who called Hunter a “coward.”
Democrats on the panel urged controlling Republicans to let Hunter testify on the spot, but Republicans insisted he must submit to a closed-door deposition as ordered by their subpoena.
Hunter has said he will not testify behind closed doors because he fears the Republican Party will leak parts of the transcript in an effort to make him look bad.
Hunter Biden sits between his attorney Abbe Lowell, right, and Kevin Morris, left
Republicans reacted angrily to Hunter’s actions.
GOP Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina said he should be arrested and jailed on the spot.
“You are the epitome of white privilege, getting on the Oversight Committee, spitting in our faces and ignoring a congressional subpoena for impeachment,” Mace said as Hunter sat in the audience. ‘What are you afraid of? You ain’t got no b***s.’
“If Mr. Biden wants to hear from Hunter Biden, we can hear from him right now,” the Democratic Rep. offered. Jared Moskowitz from Florida.
As the hearing began, Hunter walked into the committee hearing room with his attorneys Abbe Lowell and Kevin Morris and took a seat in the front row, creating a raucous atmosphere in the room.
They left as a group after their short performance. Outside the interrogation room, Lowell said his client “was and is a private citizen.”
“Despite this, Republicans have tried to use him as a surrogate to attack his father,” he said. “And despite their improper partisan motives, we have offered on six separate occasions since February 2023 to work with House committees to see what and how information relevant to a legitimate investigation can be provided.”
Republicans blasted Hunter for pulling off a “stunt.”
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., wrote of These terms are non-negotiable.”
GOP Whip Tom Emmer said “another day, another ridiculous PR stunt from Hunter Biden.”
“If this is the Biden family’s strategy to distract the American people from their disturbing pattern of corruption, it is futile.”
The House Oversight and Judiciary Committees held hearings Wednesday on Republicans’ subpoena attempt. The matter will go to the House of Representatives for a full vote among all lawmakers, which is not expected to take place until early next week.
If that is resolved, Hunter’s case will be referred to the Justice Department for prosecution. The decision will be made by Attorney General Merrick Garland, who was appointed to the position by Biden.
In addition to twelve months in prison, Hunter could be sentenced to a fine of up to $100,000 if tried and convicted.
House Republicans had subpoenaed Hunter to appear for a closed-door deposition on December 13.
Hunter Biden has offered to testify publicly, but Republicans want him impeached behind closed doors
President Joe Biden walks out of the White House with Hunter Biden and his son Beau Biden in December, ahead of the family’s Christmas at Camp David
On that day, Hunter arrived on Capitol Hill with an offer to testify publicly, but reiterated his concerns about private witnesses. Republicans declined his offer to make a public appearance.
“Let me put it as clearly as I can,” Hunter said at the time. “My father was not financially involved in my business – not as a practicing lawyer, not as a board member of Burisma, not in my partnership with a private Chinese businessman, not in my investments at home and abroad and certainly not as an artist.”
“I am here today to testify at a public hearing to answer any legitimate questions the committee may have. Republicans don’t want an open process where Americans can see their tactics, expose their baseless investigations, or hear what I have to say. What are they afraid of? I’m here. I am ready,” he added.
Hunter faces other legal problems.
In December, he was indicted on nine federal charges related to his taxes. Earlier this summer, he pleaded not guilty to tax charges after filing his tax returns two years late.