The Justice Department has named U.S. Attorney David Weiss of Delaware as the special counsel in charge of the ongoing investigation into Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the appointment on Friday, saying that Weiss requested the change of status to ensure the independence and integrity of the probe.
Hunter Biden is facing federal charges of tax evasion and making false statements on a firearm application. He was expected to plead guilty to a misdemeanor tax charge in July, but the plea deal fell apart over a dispute about a separate gun charge. Hunter Biden has denied any wrongdoing and said he is confident that he will be cleared of any charges.