Photographer: Kevin Lamarque / AFP / Getty Images
Photographer: Kevin Lamarque / AFP / Getty Images
Joe Biden said on Thursday that he believes efforts to use his son as a political club are tantamount to a “dirty game” amid a federal investigation into Hunter Biden’s tax issues and Republican calls for a special lawyer investigation. about their overseas negotiations.
“We have great confidence in our son,” said Biden in an interview with CBS host Stephen Colbert. “I am not concerned about any charges that have been made against him, it is used to get me. I think it’s kind of a dirty game, but – look, it’s what it is. “
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CBS News originally reported that Biden called the federal investigation itself a “dirty game”. But Biden’s campaign denied this characterization and launched a more complete transcript of the exchange, saying the president-elect was describing broader efforts to politically exploit his son’s business.
“Arguably there was ‘dirty play’ of that exact type,” tweeted Biden’s spokesman Andrew Bates, referring to people who use Hunter Biden as a “club” against his father. “Trump was accused of participating in the process.”
The comments were some of Biden’s most extensive since the disclosure of his son’s tax affairs investigation earlier this month.
Investigations include one conducted by the Delaware Attorney General’s office to find out whether Hunter Biden violated tax laws and another by the Western Pennsylvania District Attorney General regarding his activities in Ukraine and possible money laundering, according to a person familiar with the subject who discussed the sensitive inquiry on condition of anonymity. At least one of the polls has been underway since 2018, a third person said.
Previously: Cloud looms over Biden’s presidency with son under criminal investigation
But the effort was overshadowed by President Donald Trump’s public demands for an inquiry into Biden’s son. Also on Sunday, Trump complained that Attorney General William Barr did not release the federal tax inquiry before election day.
Trump, in a tweet on Thursday, denied having played any role in investigative decisions.
Barr announced on Monday that he plans to resign before Christmas. He made the announcement shortly after Trump criticized him in an interview with Fox News and White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told the network that the president was “frustrated” that Barr had not done more to highlight the Hunter Biden case for voters.
Republican lawmakers – including Senate Judiciary President Lindsey Graham of South Carolina – also took advantage of the investigation, calling for the appointment of a special lawyer.
Colbert asked Biden about his relationship with Graham, a longtime friend, in light of Graham’s support for Trump’s efforts to overturn the election results. “Lindsey was a personal disappointment because I was a personal friend of his,” said Biden.
Biden also said he would contact Republicans – even those who attack him – “if it benefits the country.”
The investigation into Biden’s work in Ukraine began based on information provided by Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, creating tensions among Justice Department officials over the credibility of the allegations.
Hunter Biden confirmed that the investigation into his taxes continues. It is not clear whether the Ukraine-related investigation is still ongoing.
Previously: Barr leaves early as Attorney General after crossing Trump
US officials also conducted a counterintelligence assessment related to Hunter Biden’s activities, the person said.
The Bidens repeatedly insisted that no wrongdoing was committed, and the president-elect on Thursday again expressed support for his son.
“As long as he’s good, we’re fine,” said Joe Biden.
(Updates with comments by Biden in paragraphs 11, 12.)