IRS Whistleblowers Claim DOJ Obstructed Hunter Biden Investigation

The House Oversight and Accountability Committee heard testimonies from two whistleblowers formerly involved in the agency’s investigation into Hunter Biden.

Details: IRS agents Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler made a number of claims during their testimonies, including claiming that the IRS investigation into Hunter Biden’s taxes was slowed and obstructed by the Department of Justice and the Biden Administration, that agents were blocked from probing potential connections to President Biden, that agents were blocked from questioning Hunter Biden’s adult children, and more. In June, Hunter Biden reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors over unpaid income tax and a gun-related charge that would avoid prison time. 

Key Quotes: In his opening statement, Ziegler said “assigned prosecutors did not appear to follow the normal investigative process, slow-walked the investigation, and put in place unnecessary approvals and roadblocks from effectively and efficiently investigating the case.” Rep. James Comer (R-KY), chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, vowed to “continue to follow the money trail” by investigating the international business dealings of the president’s son. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), the leading Democrat on the committee, called the hearing “a theater of the absurd.” 

How the Media Covered It: Right-rated media covered the hearing most prominently. Left- and center-rated media covered the hearing mildly. Some left-rated outlets covered the hearing but only focused on one moment where Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R-GA) showed a leaked image of Hunter Biden engaging in a sexual act, drawing backlash from Democratic committee members.