Hunter Biden, son of Joe Biden, has slammed Republican Party’s investigation into his business dealings, calling it a “shameless” impeachment probe. According to BBC, Republican Congressman James Comer had subpoenaed Hunter Biden to give testimony before the United States Congress, however, he rejected the subpoena and said he would make an appearance for a public hearing only. The impeachment probe into Hunter Biden’s business dealings is still ongoing.

What specific business dealings of Hunter Biden are being investigated by the Republican Party?

Hunter Biden’s business dealings under investigation by the Republican Party include the board position he took at Ukrainian gas company Burisma, his work with the Chinese firm BHR Partners, and his various other business affiliations. The House probe is believed to be looking into issues such as whether Hunter Biden influenced US policy toward Ukraine and China during Joe Biden’s tenure as Vice President of the United States. Republicans have also accused Hunter of using his familial connections to secure lucrative business deals in Ukraine and China.

In a statement released in October 2020, Hunter Biden called the Republican Party’s impeachment investigation a “shameless invasion of my father’s privacy” and accused them of using his family as a tool to “distract from the real scandal of their president’s failure to address the pandemic”. He also said that he was prepared to answer any questions regarding his family’s finances, but that he would only do so in a public hearing. While Hunter Biden has co-operated with US law enforcement and provided documents regarding his business dealings, he has refused to accept the subpoena from the Republican Party.

The implications for Hunter Biden if he continues to refuse the subpoena are unknown. He could be found in contempt of Congress by being held in civil or criminal contempt of Congress if he refuses to comply, however, the Democratic leadership has not been willing to pursue this option. It is likely that there may be political ramifications if he continues to reject the subpoena and only agrees to a public hearing.

Why does Hunter Biden consider the investigation into his business dealings a “shameless” impeachment probe?

Hunter Biden’s refusal to comply with the Republican party’s subpoena comes from a sense of outrage at being used as a political tool to distract from President Trump’s failure to address the pandemic. Hunter is adamant that the investigation into his business dealings, which includes a board position he took at Ukrainian gas company Burisma, his work with the Chinese firm BHR Partners, and his other business affiliations, is a shameless attempt to target his father because of his fired presidential campaign.

For Hunter Biden, complying with the Republican party’s subpoena would mean testifying in a less-than-transparent closed-door meeting and then potentially facing criminal or civil consequences. Hunter is thus offering to answer questions in a public hearing instead, a politically risky move given the Republican party’s control of the White House and senate. Hunter Biden considers the investigation into his business dealings a “shameless” impeachment probe because it jeopardizes his family’s safety and privacy and is an attempt to damage his father’s presidential campaign.

What are the potential consequences for Hunter Biden if he continues to reject the subpoena and only agrees to a public hearing?

The potential consequences for Hunter Biden if he continues to reject the subpoena and only agrees to a public hearing are uncertain. If Hunter Biden does not comply with the subpoena, the Republican Congressman may move to hold him in contempt and potentially refer the matter to the US Department of Justice, which may result in legal action being taken against him. Additionally, he may be subject to a civil suit and face fines or restitution if found guilty. As such, Hunter Biden’s decision to reject the subpoena and only appear for a public hearing warrants careful consideration.