Former President Donald Trump has voiced his disapproval over the plea agreement that Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden’s son, has secured with federal prosecutors.
Hunter Biden is slated to admit guilt to two tax misdemeanors and acknowledge the details of a gun charge, a situation that has sparked Trump’s critique of what he views as undue leniency.
Hunter Biden will admit guilt to misdemeanors for neglecting to pay approximately $12 million in taxes in 2017 and 2018, as per the deal arranged with Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss. Despite this, Biden isn’t anticipated to serve any jail time, a detail that has provoked Trump’s ire.
“Wow, the corrupt Biden DOJ just absolved centuries of potential criminal liability by handing Hunter Biden a mere traffic ticket,” Trump declared on his social media platform, Truth Social. He further added, “Our system is broken.”
The Washington Post has reported that prosecutors are likely to suggest a two-year probation period for Biden. Furthermore, Biden will participate in a diversion program after confessing to the illegal procurement of a firearm in 2018. This implies that he will not technically be admitting guilt to the gun charge, and the charge could be removed from his record upon successful completion of the diversion program.
The plea agreement marks the end of an almost five-year investigation into Biden, who is also being examined by House Republicans alongside his father concerning an alleged $5 million bribery plot involving Ukraine. The plea agreement is not associated with the alleged bribery plot.
Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) mirrored Trump’s sentiments, stating, “So Hunter Biden receives a special plea deal, a mere slap on the wrist, probably won’t serve a day of time, while DOJ accuses Trump of espionage and attempts to imprison him indefinitely. Two standards of justice.”
Trump is also grappling with his own legal issues, as he is currently the focus of a federal investigation into his management of classified documents. He has pleaded not guilty to 37 felony counts related to retaining classified documents about defense and weapons capabilities of the U.S. and foreign nations, U.S. nuclear programs, potential vulnerabilities of the U.S. and its allies to military assault, and plans for possible retaliation in response to a foreign assault.
Following the unveiling of Trump’s indictment, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has criticized the Biden administration, stating, “It is unconscionable for a president to indict the leading candidate opposing him. Joe Biden retained classified documents for decades… I and every American who believes in the rule of law stand with President Trump against this severe injustice.”
Today is indeed a dark day for the United States of America.
It is unconscionable for a President to indict the leading candidate opposing him. Joe Biden kept classified documents for decades.
I, and every American who believes in the rule of law, stand with President Trump…
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) June 9, 2023