WASHINGTON − Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel in the criminal investigation of Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, signaling a wider probe into Hunter Biden’s business dealings ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Garland announced Friday that he is elevating David Weiss, the U.S. attorney in Delaware who has led the Hunter Biden investigation for five years, to special counsel status.
Garland, delivering a surprise statement, said Weiss informed him on Tuesday that “his investigation had reached a stage at which he should continue his work as a special counsel” and asked for the appointment.
“Upon considering his request, as well as the extraordinary circumstances relating to this matter, I have concluded that it is in the public interest to appoint him as special counsel,” Garland said.
The move marks a significant turn in the Justice Department’s ongoing investigation of Hunter Biden, whose plea deal with prosecutors to resolve tax evasion and gun charges unraveled in court last month.
As special counsel, Weiss will not be subject to day-to-day supervision by anyone in the Justice Department. Weiss will remain the U.S. Attorney for the District of Attorney.
Garland said the special counsel appointment confirms his commitment to “provide Mr. Weiss all the resources he requests.” He said it also “reaffirms that Mr. Weiss has the authority he needs” to conduct a thorough investigation and continue to “take the steps he deems appropriate independently based only on the facts and the law.”
Following the special counsel investigation, Garland said Weiss will provide him a report detailing decisions on whether to prosecute. Garland said the Justice Department will “make as much of his report public as possible.”
“The appointment of Mr. Weiss reinforces for the American people the department’s commitment to both independence and accountability in particularly sensitive matters,” Garland said.
Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.
