Whistleblowers from the IRS revealed to Congress that a Justice Department official discouraged investigators from interviewing President Biden’s grandchildren during the federal investigation into Hunter Biden. This was done to prevent any potential complications or trouble.
Transcripts of interviews with two IRS whistleblowers alleging political influence in decisions made during a probe by DOJ, FBI, and IRS officials were released by the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday (June 22).
According to the testimony of IRS Criminal Supervisory Special Agent Gary Shapley Jr., who was in charge of the investigation, and an unnamed IRS special agent who initiated the probe, the investigators were instructed not to interview the grandchildren of President Biden.
Investigators claimed it was standard procedure to interview grandchildren in this situation, given Hunter Biden’s payments that are being investigated involving his children, like a $30,000 payment for tuition to Columbia University.
Whistleblowers have alleged that Hunter Biden claimed fraudulent business write-offs on his tax returns and are now seeking to speak with the grandchildren involved as part of their investigation.
However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley Wolf suggested to investigators that the meeting could “get us into a lot of hot water” if they decide to “interview the President’s grandchildren.”
Wolf explained that he didn’t “remember what ultimately happened with the grandchildren,” adding he hadn’t interviewed them.
The anonymous whistleblower suggested that his supervisor recommended taking notes during the meetings between the IRS and U.S. Attorney David Weiss’ office overseeing the investigation.
The whistleblower added that their supervisor believed it was “necessary” to document “some of the inappropriate comments that were being made.”
Later, the whistleblower explained Venmo transactions paid to Hunter Biden’s “family and friends” was deducted on the younger Biden’s returns.
The whistleblower revealed they had “continually asked” about whether he could interview the Biden’s and “understand what these payments were for?” explaining that the requests “were always met with no.”
It was announced on Tuesday (June 20) that the Department of Justice and Hunter Biden had reached a plea deal. The President’s son will plead guilty to two misdemeanor counts of willful failure to pay federal income tax as part of the deal.
