In a dramatic turn of events, Hunter Biden surprised everyone by making an unexpected appearance at a House Oversight Committee markup on Wednesday, where the panel was deliberating on a resolution to hold him in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena in the previous month.
Tensions flared at the beginning of the markup when lawmakers realized Biden was present. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) questioned the circumstances of his appearance, accusing him of defying a subpoena and criticizing him for his perceived “white privilege.”
“You are the epitome of white privilege. Coming in to the Oversight Committee, spitting in our face, ignoring a congressional subpoena to be deposed. What are you afraid of? You have no balls to come up here,” she asserted, adding that Hunter Biden should be arrested on the spot.
Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-N.Y.) swiftly proposed a vote on hearing from Biden immediately, seeking a show of hands from the room.
Hunter Biden, accompanied by his attorney Abbe Lowell and entertainment lawyer Kevin Morris, entered the hearing.
The Oversight and Judiciary panels are aggressively pursuing contempt charges against Hunter Biden for his refusal to participate in a closed-door deposition last month, part of the broader impeachment inquiry into President Biden. Hunter Biden’s offer to testify publicly, maintaining his father’s non-involvement in his business, adds a layer of complexity to the proceedings.
During a press conference outside the Capitol, Hunter Biden referenced an offer by Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) to testify publicly, accusing the GOP of backtracking on their promise. Attorney Abbe Lowell condemned House Republicans, questioning their motives and challenging them with, “What are they afraid of?”
Republicans countered, arguing that a public hearing alone would not suffice for the investigation. They proposed a later date for a public hearing, coupled with the release of the deposition transcript.
House Republicans have been investigating alleged “influence peddling” by Hunter Biden during his father’s vice presidency, contributing to an impeachment inquiry into President Biden. The inquiry has focused on Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings and the Department of Justice’s handling of a tax crimes investigation involving him.
Both Hunter Biden and the White House have consistently denied any involvement by the president in his family’s foreign business activities.
