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22 sources

Special Counsel Defends Hunter Biden Investigations, Critiques Presidential Pardon

Special Counsel David Weiss's report defends Hunter Biden investigations while criticizing President Biden's pardon as undermining the Justice Department's integrity.

This story was covered by 22 sources. This shows the distribution of these sources: left-leaning (blue), center (gray), and right-leaning (red).

Politics

Mostly Reliable

The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
Balanced

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story, verified by multiple sources.

In a detailed report, Special Counsel David Weiss asserts that the investigations into Hunter Biden were thorough and unbiased, countering President Biden’s claims of selective prosecution. Weiss rebukes Biden's pardon of Hunter, saying it undermines the Justice Department's integrity and public trust. The report describes Hunter's felony convictions for tax evasion and firearms charges as a result of conscious wrongdoing, clarifying that his past drug use does not excuse his actions. Hunter's legal team argues Weiss's investigation was politically motivated, echoing criticisms from Republican lawmakers who suggest bias in the handling of the case.

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From the Left

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by left-leaning sources.

  • The investigation into Hunter Biden’s activities was thorough and impartial, according to Special Counsel David Weiss, who criticized President Biden for undermining public confidence in the justice system by making unfounded claims about selective prosecution.

  • Weiss highlighted that Hunter Biden’s criminal conduct, including tax evasion and firearm offenses, was the result of conscious choices, as he had received considerable income from lucrative business opportunities tied to his family name.

  • Critics of Biden, including his legal team, have failed to confront the fact that the legal outcomes were not influenced by political motives, as evidenced by Weiss's defense of the objectivity of the case against Hunter.

Informed by:

From the Right

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by right-leaning sources.

  • Special Counsel David Weiss's report is deemed incomplete due to President Biden’s sweeping pardon of Hunter, which critics argue shields him from responsibility for alleged influence peddling.

  • House Oversight Chairman James Comer emphasized that the investigation was hampered by political bias from the Department of Justice and that the Biden administration was never going to fully prosecute Hunter Biden for his actions.

  • Weiss's findings do not address the concerns raised by whistleblowers regarding political interference in the investigation, suggesting a significant failure in accountability and transparency.

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Highlights (20)

Excerpts from the underlying articles that best reflect each outlet's unique perspective on this story.

  1. I think Biden's pardon of his son, attack on the special counsel, and vetoing of the JUDGES Act will go a long way to defining how Biden will be remembered: not as uniting candidate who put his country before any party, but as just another self-serving politician who puts his own interest first when push comes to shove.

    Special Counsel David Weiss Responds To President Biden's Attacks on Hunter Biden Prosecution

    Reason

    Reason

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Center
  2. The report by Special Counsel David Weiss ultimately underscores a troubling reality: the powerful influence of political families can shield them from accountability, as demonstrated by President Biden's unprecedented pardon for his son, Hunter, which leaves unaddressed questions about the nature of their business dealings and the integrity of the investigative process.

    'Incomplete' Hunter Biden report, protection of 'Biden Crime Family' shredded by Comer, IRS whistleblowers

    FOX News

    FOX News

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Leans Right
  3. The investigation into Hunter Biden serves as a stark reminder of how claims of unfair prosecution can undermine public trust in the justice system, illustrating the critical importance of impartiality and the equal application of justice for all individuals, regardless of their connections.

    Hunter Biden special counsel hits out at president’s selective prosecution claim

    The Guardian

    The Guardian

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Leans Left
  4. The conclusion drawn from Weiss's report is unlikely to satisfy anyone, highlighting the weaknesses in his defense and the missed opportunities for clearer explanations from President Biden regarding the differential treatment of Hunter compared to others in similar legal situations.

    'Show your homework': Ex-CIA lawyer slams Hunter Biden counsel over 'weak defense'

    AlterNet

    AlterNet

    Mixed Reliable

    The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
    ·Left
  5. The accusations from President Biden regarding the selective prosecution of his son echo a dangerous narrative that threatens to weaken the integrity of the justice system.

    Hunter Biden prosecutor chastises president for maligning justice system

    Al Jazeera

    Al Jazeera

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Leans Left
  6. The ongoing scrutiny of Hunter Biden's legal troubles reveals a troubling intersection of personal adversity and political maneuvering, with the president's heartfelt defense underscoring the intense pressure faced by his family amid a backdrop of stark accusations and deep divisions in American politics.

    Prosecutor who investigated Hunter Biden denounces president's criticism

    BBC News

    BBC News

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  7. The ongoing narrative surrounding Hunter Biden’s legal troubles highlights a troubling pattern of political interference and prosecutorial overreach, casting a shadow over the integrity of the justice system.

    Hunter Biden special counsel dings President Joe Biden over pardon

    NBC News

    NBC News

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  8. Weiss' insistence on the integrity and impartiality of his investigations highlights the political turmoil surrounding the case, serving as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the justice system when entangled in partisan disputes.

    Special counsel David Weiss defends investigations as 'impartial' in final report on Hunter Biden probes

    ABC News

    ABC News

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  9. The actions of President Joe Biden in pardoning his son have not only raised serious ethical questions, but they also seem to undermine the integrity of the judicial process, leading to a concerning erosion of public confidence in the justice system.

    ‘Gratuitous And Wrong’: Special Counsel David Weiss Slams Biden In Final Report

    Daily Caller

    Daily Caller

    Mixed Reliable

    The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
    ·Right
  10. Weiss's firm rebuttal reinforces the critical notion that accusations of political bias within the Hunter Biden probe are not just unfounded, but serve to endanger the integrity of the justice system itself.

    Special counsel in Hunter Biden case denounces president for criticism of the probe

    NPR

    NPR

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  11. The integrity of the justice system is imperative, and any attempts to politicize these legal proceedings not only undermine public trust but also threaten the fundamental principles that ensure fairness in America.

    Justice Dept releases special counsel's report on Hunter Biden

    CBS News

    CBS News

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  12. The release of Special Counsel David Weiss’s final report reveals the extent to which President Biden has distanced himself from the fundamental principles of justice, portraying his son's legal battles as politically charged while undermining the integrity of the very institution tasked with upholding the law.

    Special Counsel David Weiss Accuses President Biden of ‘False Accusations’ and Using Pardon of Hunter To ‘Malign’ DOJ

    New York Sun

    New York Sun

    Mixed Reliable

    The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
    ·Right
  13. The investigations into Hunter Biden were not a product of partisan politics, but rather a diligent effort by the Justice Department undermined by the President's criticisms.

    Prosecutor defends investigation of Hunter Biden, denounces president's remarks

    PBS NewsHour

    PBS NewsHour

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Leans Left
  14. The president's decision to publicly criticize the prosecution while issuing a pardon for his son reveals a willingness to undermine the integrity of the justice system for political gain.

    Special counsel report on Hunter Biden slams Joe Biden comments as 'gratuitous and wrong'

    USA TODAY

    USA TODAY

    Reliable

    The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
    ·Center
  15. The narrative surrounding Hunter Biden's case has become a reflection of broader tensions in American politics, where accusations of political motivations threaten to erode trust in the justice system.

    Read the special counsel’s final report on Hunter Biden

    MSNBC

    MSNBC

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Left
  16. The report underscores that the prosecution of Hunter Biden was justified based on a thorough investigation and multiple legal rulings, dismissing any claims of political motivation as unfounded.

    Hunter Biden special counsel David Weiss slams prez’s criticism as ‘gratuitous and wrong’ as he releases report on first son probe

    New York Post

    New York Post

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Leans Right
  17. The report clearly underscores that the investigations into Hunter Biden were both thorough and impartial, countering any claims made by President Biden that suggested the workings of the Justice Department were politically motivated.

    Prosecutor who investigated Hunter Biden defends probes, denounces president’s remarks in new report

    Boston Herald

    Boston Herald

    Mostly Reliable

    The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
    ·Leans Right
  18. The criminal charges against Hunter Biden represent the outcome of diligent and unbiased inquiries, fundamentally contradicting President Biden's portrayal of the situation as one of political targeting and injustice.

    Prosecutor Who Investigated Hunter Defends Probes, Denounces Biden

    Newsmax

    Newsmax

    Mixed Reliable

    The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
    ·Right
  1. Reason
  2. FOX News
  3. The Guardian
  4. AlterNet
  5. Al Jazeera
  6. BBC News
  7. NBC News
  8. ABC News
  9. Daily Caller
  10. NPR
  11. CBS News
  12. New York Sun
  13. PBS NewsHour
  14. USA TODAY
  15. MSNBC
  16. New York Post
  17. Boston Herald
  18. Associated Press
  19. CNN
  20. Newsmax