Devon Archer, Hunter Biden’s former business partner, offered insights into the intricate dynamics of Hunter’s leveraging of his father’s influence for business gains.
Archer’s testimony before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee revealed how Hunter Biden used his familial connection with then-Vice President Joe
Biden to enhance his business endeavors.
During a closed-door interview, Archer delved into several instances where Hunter Biden employed his father’s clout to advance business pursuits.
These included the vice president’s presence at dinners with Hunter and his associates, interactions with foreign businessmen, and his participation in phone calls while Hunter conducted business meetings.
Archer’s testimony, captured in a 141-page transcript, unveiled the nuances of Hunter’s attempts to capitalize on his family name’s reputation.
Despite these maneuvers, Archer emphasized that Hunter Biden’s efforts did not sway Joe Biden’s policy decisions or actions.
He asserted that nothing of substantial significance was ever discussed between the Bidens during their frequent communications.
Archer Denies Bribery Claims
The transcript showed that Hunter never solicited his father’s official intervention on behalf of his business partners.
Moreover, Archer disputed allegations that Joe Biden accepted bribes from foreign nationals to influence policy outcomes.
Archer’s testimony clarified that Hunter Biden did not engage in concrete business discussions during calls with his father.
Instead, the conversations revolved around general topics like geography and weather. Archer emphasized that the interactions were focused on maintaining the appearance of access and camaraderie.
The interview underscored Hunter Biden’s strategy of presenting himself as a conduit to his father’s influential circle.
Archer explained that Hunter’s association with the Biden family brand played a crucial role in attracting business partners.
Archer highlighted the appeal of the Biden name in enhancing Hunter’s corporate endeavors, particularly within Ukrainian gas company Burisma.
Archer revealed instances where Hunter aimed to maximize his father’s reputation.
An email from 2014, where Hunter anticipated Joe Biden’s visit to Ukraine, illustrated this approach. The email suggested that while Joe Biden’s actions were out of their control, Hunter could reap credit for the visit.
Archer testified that Hunter sought to demonstrate his value to business associates through these strategic associations.
The Biden ‘Brand’
The testimony also delved into the frequency of phone calls between Joe and Hunter Biden. Over a decade, Hunter reportedly put his father on speakerphone around 20 times during meetings to emphasize the family “brand.” These conversations were described as brief and courteous exchanges of pleasantries, often taking place in the presence of clients and partners.
Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, utilized Archer’s testimony to counter House Republicans’ claims of inappropriate conduct. Lowell emphasized that the testimony reaffirmed that Hunter Biden did not involve his father in his business affairs.
Lowell pointed out that the calls were primarily characterized by small talk rather than substantive discussions.
Archer’s assertions provided a glimpse into Hunter’s approach to combining business and power dynamics, as well as the intricate bond between father and son. The attempt to trade on the Biden name, as revealed in the transcript, sheds light on the multifaceted nature of Hunter Biden’s business dealings.
While Hunter’s efforts to tap into his family’s reputation are unveiled, the impact on the broader political landscape and the Biden presidency remains a subject of ongoing scrutiny.
‘Clear’ Hunter Broke Law
This week a Democrat Congressman, Jim Himes, said it is “clear” Hunter Biden broke the law, following the collapse of his plea deal over tax misdemeanors.
“Let me say something that you never heard a Republican member of Congress say in the four years of the Trump administration, which is that if Hunter Biden broke the law, he should be prosecuted,” Himes (D-Connecticut) told MSNBC on Friday.
“And it is clear that he broke the law with respect to taxes and possibly the ownership of a handgun. He should be held accountable for that.”
Himes added there was “zero evidence” that the Bidens are guilty of any crimes related to Hunter’s business practices, and he slammed Republican claims of guilt as a “fever dream.”
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
From 19FortyFive
