In a closed-door hearing before the House Ways and Means Committee, IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler testified about alleged political influence in the investigation into Hunter Biden. The whistleblowers, who led the IRS’ portion of the probe, discussed information protected under Internal Revenue Code Section 6103, which relates to the confidentiality of tax returns.
Shapley and Ziegler claimed that decisions made throughout the investigation had the effect of benefiting Hunter Biden, and that Hunter Biden should have faced more serious charges. They also suggested that communications and text messages reviewed by investigators contradicted President Biden’s statements about his involvement in his son’s overseas business dealings.
Additionally, the whistleblowers alleged that federal investigators did not follow standard procedures and intentionally slowed down the investigation. They accused prosecutors of blocking certain questioning and interviewing of Hunter Biden’s adult children.
U.S. Attorney for Delaware David Weiss, who was leading the investigation, requested special counsel authority but was denied, according to Shapley. However, Weiss was later appointed as a special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland. Weiss admitted during a previous testimony that he initially wasn’t granted special attorney authority but did not interpret it as a denial.
The closed-door hearing comes ahead of Assistant U.S. attorney Lesley Wolf’s deposition before the House Judiciary Committee. Wolf has been subpoenaed to testify after Shapley alleged that she attempted to limit questioning related to President Biden during the investigation into Hunter Biden.
The testimony of the whistleblowers and the upcoming deposition of Wolf are part of the House impeachment inquiry against President Biden. The House committees are investigating allegations of politicization in the federal probe into Hunter Biden and the Biden family’s foreign business dealings. President Biden has repeatedly denied any involvement in his son’s business affairs.
Hunter Biden has already been charged with multiple crimes, including making false statements related to a firearm purchase and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance. He has pleaded not guilty, and the investigation is ongoing.
This latest development adds to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Hunter Biden’s activities and raises questions about potential political influence in the investigation. As the House gathers evidence and considers whether to draft articles of impeachment against President Biden, the testimony of these whistleblowers and the upcoming deposition will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the proceedings.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
