Impending charges against Hunter Biden for pistol purchase and tax evasion. Investigation into Hunter Biden's laptop and its controversies. The impact of Hunter Biden's personal issues on President Biden's reelection. Republicans using Hunter Biden as a distraction. Hunter Biden's struggles with addiction and its potential impact on Joe Biden. The release of a controversial video and its potential impact.
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Quick takeaways
Hunter Biden is facing charges related to lying on a federal form about his drug use and failing to pay taxes for several years.
The investigation into Hunter Biden's activities during his father's vice presidency, including his role on the board of a Ukrainian energy company, raised questions about his personal life and business dealings.
Deep dives
Hunter Biden's legal troubles: Charges and investigations
Hunter Biden is facing charges related to his 2018 purchase of a pistol, where he lied on a federal form about his drug use. There are also investigations into his failure to pay taxes for several years. Plea deals that were expected to be reached in these cases fell through, leading to a special counsel being appointed to pursue further charges. The upcoming indictment is likely to focus on the gun charge and tax offenses.
The laptop controversy and initial investigation
During the 2020 campaign, a laptop owned by Hunter Biden surfaced, revealing personal and business information. The laptop contained sensitive photos, text messages, and raised questions about Hunter Biden's role on the board of a Ukrainian energy company. The investigation into Hunter Biden started in 2018, focusing on his activities during his father's vice presidency and his tax payments.
Public scrutiny, scandals, and whistleblowers
While the investigation into Hunter Biden's activities remained relatively quiet, public attention shifted towards his personal life and business dealings. Accusations of suspicious foreign business dealings and a paternity dispute further complicated the situation. Whistleblowers, including IRS agents, came forward, alleging improper interference in the investigation and ongoing political pressure. The plea deal that was reached in the tax and gun cases fell apart, leading to potential indictments and a continued investigation.
Hunter Biden is set to be indicted this month. The WSJ’s Aruna Viswanatha goes over the evidence with us, and Politico’s Jonathan Lemire looks at what it all means for President Biden’s reelection bid.
This show was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact checked by Serena Solin, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.
Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained
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