House Oversight Chair James Comer probes Hunter Biden art buyer's appointment in Biden admin

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said on Sunday he is investigating how Democrat donor Elizabeth Hirsh Naftali, who bought at least one piece of Hunter Biden's artwork, was appointed by President Joe Biden to a historical preservation commission.

The White House said that Hunter Biden would not know the identities of those who purchased his artwork, but Comer, a Kentucky Republican, said in a letter that the system "seems to have failed" because Hirsh Naftali's identity has become public.

Comer wrote letters to Hirsh Naftali and White House Counsel Stuart Delery seeking information about the Democratic donor's purchase of Hunter Biden's art, the White House's involvement in Hunter Biden's artwork and the appointment of Hirsh Naftali to the Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad, which preserves historic sites related to U.S. citizens in Europe.

Biden announced his intention to appoint Hirsh Naftali earlier this month. Hirsh Naftali has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Democratic groups and candidates, data shows. Additionally, visitor logs show that she has visited the White House at least 13 times since December 2021.

"Her position on the Commission is particularly suspicious because of Hunter Biden’s previous actions to elevate his business partner—Eric Schwerin—to the same post while his father was Vice President," Comer wrote. "The Committee is concerned Hunter Biden has used his new career as an artist to peddle influence in and access to the White House."

Comer is asking for Hirsh Naftali and the White House counsel to provide information about communications with art dealer Georges Bergès and his gallery, as well as any communications from federal employees about the purchase of Hunter Biden's art and the appointment of Hirsh Naftali.

Biden has come under fire before for nominating wealthy Democratic donors to sensitive political positions.

Comer is leading other House investigations into the Biden family's alleged suspicious activities as well.

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