Lawmakers, 2024 Candidates React to Hunter Biden Plea Deal

Following the news of the Department of Justice’s plea deal with Hunter Biden, outlets across the spectrum are publishing reflections and analyses on the development. 

Candidate Reactions: A piece from Newsweek (Center bias) reported on politicians’ reactions to the news. Many candidates in the Republican primary have criticized the plea deal, with Nikki Haley arguing it demonstrates a “double standard of justice.” Democratic challengers have so far been silent on the news, avoiding public comment altogether. Some Democratic lawmakers are making statements, with Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) arguing the deal signifies the Department of Justice’s “continued institutional independence.”

Far From Over: A CNN (Lean Left bias) analysis broke down the known information surrounding the charges against Hunter Biden, the known information about the plea deal, Hunter Biden’s connection with the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, and the expected response and next steps from Republican lawmakers. The analysis determines, “while Hunter Biden is likely to avoid jail, he’s far from done being the target of investigations now that Republicans control the House.”

Intentionally Provocative: Andrew C. McCarthy (Right bias) argued in an opinion piece that the plea deal signifies an unequal justice system, stating Hunter Biden is not being prosecuted for a “gun felony that would result in imprisonment for most Americans who engaged in similar conduct.” Additionally, McCarthy claims this case as well as the Trump indictment are part of efforts by Democrats to “rile up the Trump-friendly GOP base in hopes of getting Republicans to nominate Trump for the presidency.”