In a recent revelation that has raised eyebrows across the nation, Special Counsel David Weiss, tasked with investigating Hunter Biden, has disclosed to Congress that his request for special attorney status was inexplicably denied. This startling admission came during a closed-door session in Washington. Weiss’s pursuit of an elevated position within the Department of Justice (DOJ) was brought to light by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a staunch figure in the House Judiciary Committee.
The refusal to grant Weiss the special status he sought in spring 2022 begs the question: Who within the DOJ denied this request, and what were their motives? The silence from the DOJ on this matter is deafening, and the lack of transparency is troubling. It’s imperative to ask why Attorney General Merrick Garland, who appointed Weiss, did not clarify this when Congress inquired. The American people deserve to know who is pulling the strings and why Weiss was not afforded the authority he deemed necessary to conduct his investigation thoroughly.
Weiss’s investigation into Hunter Biden’s activities is not just a matter of legal procedure; it’s a matter of public trust. The alleged crimes of the president’s son took place across various districts. Yet, his requests were rebuffed when Weiss reached out to U.S. attorneys in those districts for partnership or assistance in bringing charges. This obstruction raises severe concerns about the impartiality and effectiveness of our justice system.
Moreover, Weiss’s communication with DOJ officials regarding potential special attorney status—which would have allowed him to file charges outside his district without a local U.S. attorney partnership—was met with assurances that turned out to be empty. This discrepancy was highlighted in a July 10 letter to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Weiss mentioned discussions about this particular status but failed to clarify whether he formally requested it.
The situation became even more convoluted when Tristan Leavitt, representing IRS whistleblowers, pointed out that Weiss gave a misleading impression in his correspondence that he never sought special attorney authority. This kind of semantic play is unacceptable, especially when dealing with such high public interest investigations.
Rep. Jim Jordan confronted Weiss on this very issue, and Weiss’s response was clear: “I asked for it and wasn’t given it.” This denial came before Weiss approached Matthew Graves, U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, to partner on charges against Hunter Biden later in 2022.
Attorney General Garland has claimed that Weiss had “ultimate authority” over the matter, including the decision on where, when, and whether to file charges. However, the actions—or lack thereof—by the DOJ seem to contradict this statement. In prepared opening remarks, Weiss himself stated that while he was the decision-maker, he was bound by federal law, DOJ guidelines, and specific processes that he had to adhere to.
The American public must question the integrity of an investigation where the investigator’s hands are tied. Decisions in such high-profile cases must be based on facts and law, without political considerations. Yet, the denial of special attorney status to Weiss, the obfuscation by the DOJ, and the refusal of U.S. attorneys to collaborate paint a picture of a justice system that political winds may sway.
The case of Hunter Biden is not just about one individual’s alleged wrongdoing; it’s a litmus test for the rule of law in America. The denial of special status to Weiss is a red flag that cannot be ignored. It’s time for the DOJ to provide clarity and for Congress to demand answers. The American people deserve a justice system with transparency and impartiality, especially concerning those in the highest echelons of power.