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Attorney General Merrick Garland on Friday appointed U.S. attorney David Weiss to serve as special counsel over the investigation into Hunter Biden, the latest twist in a probe marred by allegations of political favoritism.
Garland during a Friday press conference said Weiss advised him this week that the investigation «had reached a stage» where Garland should appoint a special counsel, a designation that provides a measure of independence from the Justice Department. Weiss has investigated Biden’s taxes and foreign business dealings since 2018, but he and Garland have come under scrutiny over what Republicans say is a sweetheart deal for the embattled first son.
Weiss in June agreed to a plea deal with Biden on two misdemeanor charges for failure to pay taxes. But that plea deal blew up during a July hearing, and now prosecutors and Biden’s legal team are «at an impasse,» Weiss said in a motion filed in federal court Friday as Garland spoke to the press.
«A trial is in order,» Weiss said in the motion.
The announcement marks a stunning turnaround for Garland, who has resisted Republican calls to appoint a special counsel to handle the politically charged investigation.
