In a recent interaction with reporters during his visit to a wind farm plant in New Mexico, President Joe Biden responded to a query from Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy with a pointed retort.
The query revolved around allegations that Biden had engaged in extensive business discussions via speakerphone with associates connected to his son, Hunter Biden.
The President, while lauding his administration’s efforts in driving job growth and green investments across the United States, was swiftly pulled into a different terrain as Doocy referenced claims made by one of Hunter Biden’s former business partners. The partner, Devon Archer, had testified before the House Oversight Committee behind closed doors on July 31st.
Questions of Corruption
Devon Archer’s testimony claimed that Hunter Biden used his father’s name for “defensive leverage” and to send the right signals to foreign business partners. The then Vice President Biden’s presence was brought into discussions via speakerphone to promote the Biden brand and an understanding of D.C.
He said Joe Biden had been on speakerphone for discussions involving business matters approximately 20 times over a decade-long span. These instances were purportedly intended to underline Hunter Biden’s influence and provide a defensive edge.
Archer also suggestedBiden had partaken in dinners with foreign business associates of his son, after which financial transactions involving Biden-associated companies were reported.
Nonetheless, Archer clarified during the hearing that the conversations between Biden and his son’s business connections were not linked to commercial endeavors. Rather, they were oriented towards other aspects.
Joe Biden Denies ‘Talking Business’
During the press interaction, Doocy posed the question: “There’s this testimony now where one of your son’s former business associates is claiming that you were on speakerphone a lot with them talking business. What?”
Biden interjected, stating: “I never talked business with anybody, and I knew you’d have an inaccurate inquiry.”
Doocy persisted, seeking clarification on why the question was deemed unfit. Biden responded: “Because it’s not based on reality.”
The examination into the dealings of the Biden family by the Republican Party has been a persistent focal point. Allegations of undue influence have spurred the House Oversight Committee’s investigation, a probe that gained momentum following the GOP’s ascendance in the second chamber of Congress during the midterm elections.
Despite the intensifying scrutiny, the White House has remained steadfast in its denial of any wrongdoing on Joe Biden’s part. The administration has consistently emphasized that the President was “never in business with his son.”
No ‘Smoking Gun’?
In response to these developments, CNN national security reporter Zachary Cohen commented on Archer’s testimony, noting that it didn’t yield the “smoking gun” revelation that some Republicans had anticipated. Cohen further asserted that the revelations indicated Hunter Biden’s endeavor to create a perception that he could facilitate access to his father for business associates.
Previous statements from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre have reiterated Joe Biden’s non-involvement in business with his son, reaffirming the administration’s stance. Jean-Pierre emphasized, “The president was never in business with his son. I just don’t have anything else to add.”
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.
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