In a transcribed interview before the House Oversight Committee, Devon Archer, a central figure in the Hunter Biden controversy, shed light on the dynamics of leveraging then-Vice President Joe Biden’s reputation to advance foreign business ventures.
Archer’s testimony, obtained by Fox News, reveals how Hunter Biden capitalized on his father’s standing for “defensive leverage” and “the right signals” to business partners.
The 140-page transcript, of the closed-door interview offers intriguing insights into the Biden family’s foreign business dealings.
While Archer’s revelations may have raised eyebrows, the White House swiftly issued a statement that seized on his testimony’s nuances.
White House spokesperson Ian Sams conveyed that the witness did not hear of any inappropriate discussions between President Biden and his son’s associates.
The ongoing political theater surrounding the Biden family’s business dealings continues to captivate the nation’s attention, casting a spotlight on the intricate connections between politics, power, and business.
The ‘Biden Brand’
Hunter Biden’s calculated use of his father’s powerful name was brought to the forefront by Archer, who highlighted the subtle tactics employed. While Hunter Biden refrained from overtly stating that his father’s influence was being exploited, Archer noted, “He would use the name to get leverage.” Archer explained that the value attributed to Hunter’s work was a combination of his “theoretical” corporate governance prowess and the formidable brand associated with Joe Biden. Archer remarked, “Obviously, given the brand, that was a large part of the value.”
Archer also detailed the practice of placing Joe Biden on speakerphone during meetings with foreign business partners. On at least 20 occasions, the former vice president was brought into discussions to bolster the Biden brand. When queried about this strategy, Archer affirmed that Joe Biden’s presence was about promoting “the brand” and “an understanding of D.C.” rather than invoking other family members.
The revelations paint a picture of calculated networking, as Archer confessed that Hunter Biden used his father’s name as a unique selling point, emphasizing their distinctive comprehension of Washington, D.C.’s intricacies. Archer’s insights offer a glimpse into how these interactions resonated with potential partners, implying that the
Biden name served as a shield against potential disruptions.
Archer’s testimony also provided a window into his own involvement with Ukrainian natural gas firm Burisma Holdings, where he sat on the board alongside Hunter Biden. Archer received substantial monthly compensation for his role in the company. He contended that Hunter Biden’s connection with Joe Biden contributed significantly to Burisma’s survival, attributing its longevity to the Biden brand acting as a deterrent against interference.
The revelations come against the backdrop of the ongoing investigation by the House Oversight Committee, spearheaded by Republicans keen to unravel the complexities of the Biden family’s foreign business enterprises, which allegedly raked in millions of dollars from foreign nationals while Joe Biden served as vice president.
As Archer’s testimony illuminates the strategic utilization of the Biden name, questions about the intersection of political influence and business ventures remain at the forefront of discussions.
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.
