Biden DOJ to let Delaware prosecutor testify about Hunter Biden tax probe

The Biden Justice Department on Monday informed Congress it will allow Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss to testify about the Hunter Biden tax case, a major concession but one that still leaves open a subpoena fight over other witnesses and evidence.

The announcement was delivered in a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and came the same day that congressional investigators secured a formal date for Hunter Biden's former close business partner Devon Archer to testify next Monday. The House Oversight Committee will conduct that transcribed interview.

DOJ said it wanted Weiss to testify so he could address allegations from two IRS whistleblowers that he did not have the authority to indict Hunter Biden on felony tax charges dating to 2014 and that there was political interference in the probe before the first son struck a plea deal on two misdemeanor tax charges.

"The Department believes it is strongly in the public interest for the American people and for Congress to hear directly from U.S. Attorney Weiss on these assertions and questions about his authority at a public hearing," the letter to Jordan said.

"To address these issues, U.S. Attorney Weiss is available to appear at a public hearing before the Committee, consistent with the law and Department policy, after the House returns from its August district work period," it added.

While making a concession on Weiss, the department also signaled it may not let other DOJ officials, including Weiss' deputy Leslie Wolf, testify or turn over all the documents sought by Jordan's team.  

The letter said the department was "deeply concerned by your notification today that the Committee has authorized deposition subpoenas for the individuals identified in your letter. Any attempts at compulsory process are unjustified and premature," it said.