Department of Justice publications and official announcements

Special Counsel David Weiss Defends Thorough, Impartial Prosecution of Hunter Biden on Gun and Tax Charges, Criticizes Biden's Pardon

Jan 13, 2025, 11:02 PM

Special Counsel David Weiss has released his final report on the investigations into Hunter Biden, criticizing President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son. The report, which was sent to Capitol Hill and released by the Department of Justice, defends the prosecutions as thorough and impartial, rejecting claims of selective prosecution. Hunter Biden was convicted on gun charges and pleaded guilty to tax evasion, filing false tax returns, and six felonies related to tax crimes, but these were nullified by the presidential pardon issued in early December 2024. Weiss's report specifically addresses President Biden's criticism of the investigations as politically motivated, asserting that such statements undermine the justice system and public confidence in it. The report also notes that due to the pardon, Weiss could not pursue additional charges against Hunter Biden. During the investigation, Weiss also prosecuted Alexander Smirnov, a former FBI informant, who was sentenced to six years in prison for spreading false information about the Bidens.