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Hunter Biden plea deal collapses as Special Counsel steps in

Published

2 years ago

August 12, 2023

ticker NEWS

U.S. Attorney David Weiss Granted Expanded Authority by Attorney General Merrick Garland to Pursue Charges Against President’s Son

Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss as a special counsel to carry forward the prosecution of Hunter Biden after plea negotiations fell apart.

This development ushers in a new, politically charged phase in the ongoing legal saga, coinciding with President Biden’s re-election campaign.

Under this appointment, Weiss is empowered to prosecute Hunter Biden in any jurisdiction he deems appropriate, rather than solely in Delaware.

This decision came on the same day that Weiss indicated in a court filing that plea discussions with Biden had reached an impasse, and prosecutors anticipated that the case would proceed to trial.

Weiss petitioned the Delaware judge to dismiss a previously filed tax case against Hunter Biden, contending that the trial needed to be conducted elsewhere, including California, where Biden resided during the period in question in the case.

Garland noted that Weiss had informed him on Tuesday that his investigation had “reached a point where he should continue his work as a special counsel, and he requested to be appointed as such.” Garland, who had previously asserted that Weiss had all the requisite resources and independence, stated that this move “reaffirms that Mr. Weiss possesses the authority required to conduct a thorough investigation and proceed with actions he deems suitable independently, solely based on facts and the law.”

Chris Clark, an attorney for Hunter Biden, expressed confidence that Biden’s legal team still believed they could resolve the case without going to trial. Clark stated, “We are confident that once all these maneuvers conclude, my client will find resolution and successfully move forward with his life.”

Unique situation

The appointment of Weiss places the Justice Department in a unique situation where three separate special counsels are investigating the President, his son, and the President’s probable primary opponent in the 2024 election, GOP front-runner Donald Trump.

One special counsel, Jack Smith, has leveled charges against Trump for improperly withholding classified documents and separately conspiring to unlawfully overturn his 2020 election defeat. Trump has pleaded not guilty to both charges. Another special counsel, Robert Hur, has been examining President Biden’s handling of classified materials, following the discovery of such documents predating his tenure at the White House in his residence and office.

Republicans in Congress have been scrutinizing business dealings involving Hunter Biden and the Biden family, criticizing the now jeopardized plea agreement as lenient when contrasted with the Justice Department’s stringent approach toward Trump. This criticism has been fueled, in part, by two investigators on the case alleging undue political interference.

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AI search evolves as Google’s owners boost value

Are advertisers concerned about AI search affecting clicks despite Alphabet’s strong Q1 driven by AI, YouTube, and Cloud?

Published

6 hours ago

April 30, 2025

ticker NEWS

Are advertisers concerned about AI search affecting clicks despite Alphabet’s strong Q1 driven by AI, YouTube, and Cloud?

Are advertisers really worried about AI search cannibalising clicks?

Alphabet just crushed expectations in its Q1 update, driven by AI, YouTube, and Cloud. But concerns around regulation and search revenue still linger.

#google #business #markets #ticker #tickernews

News

Albanese warns against Trump-style politics in Australia

Albanese warns Australia against adopting US-style politics, linking Dutton to Trump amid election discussions on trade.

Published

11 hours ago

April 30, 2025

Ahron Young

Albanese warns Australia against adopting US-style politics, linking Dutton to Trump amid election discussions on trade.

In Short

Anthony Albanese warns against the influence of US politics, particularly Donald Trump’s divisive style, on Australia.

He expressed the need to maintain Australia’s unique political culture as the nation approaches its election.

Anthony Albanese has made significant comments regarding Donald Trump and the impact of US politics on Australia. The Prime Minister expressed that the division in the US has implications for Liberal leader Peter Dutton.

Mr Trump has suggested he may discuss tariffs with Australia after the upcoming election. Albanese cautioned Australians against adopting US-style politics.

He stated that voters in Australia are not receptive to Trump’s influence or Dutton’s alignment with him.

President Trump acknowledged Australia’s outreach on trade matters.

Open to talk

When asked if he would discuss trade with Mr Albanese, Trump confirmed he would be open to conversation. Albanese reiterated the importance of maintaining Australia’s unique political culture.

He pointed out that Australians perceive the US as a polarized society, which is unhealthy.

In an exclusive interview, Albanese emphasized that Australians do not desire such division in their political landscape. His remarks highlight the contrast between Australian and American political dynamics.

This ongoing dialogue between leaders reflects concerns about the potential importation of divisive politics into Australia.

Albanese’s comments serve as a reminder of the risks associated with political extremism. As Australia heads into its election, the Prime Minister’s warnings could resonate with voters prioritising unity and stability.

News

Democrats rally against Trump amid voter dissatisfaction

Democrats intensify resistance to Trump amid voter dissatisfaction with leadership, planning speeches and protests to showcase opposition efforts.

Published

11 hours ago

April 30, 2025

Ahron Young

Democrats intensify resistance to Trump amid voter dissatisfaction with leadership, planning speeches and protests to showcase opposition efforts.

In Short

Congressional Democrats are under pressure to oppose President Trump as he completes his first 100 days in office, feeling their base is dissatisfied with their efforts.

They are organising events and speeches to highlight their resistance while acknowledging challenges due to their minority status.

Congressional Democrats face significant challenges as President Donald Trump marks his first 100 days in office.

The party is increasingly anxious that base voters feel they are not doing enough to oppose the administration.

In response, Democrats have organised a series of speeches, sit-ins, and events aimed at showing they are actively resisting Trump’s controversial policies.

Senate Democrats plan to keep the floor open late into the evening to deliver speeches critical of what Minority Leader Chuck Schumer describes as “100 days of hell.”

Trump’s agenda

They will gather with House Democrats on the Senate steps to voice their opposition to Trump’s agenda.

Schumer expressed their commitment, stating that they will consistently highlight the differences between Democratic unity and Republican disarray.

He stressed that resistance will come from Democrats, the courts, and the American public as long as Trump pursues what he calls a dangerous path.

Democrats face mounting pressure from voters dissatisfied with their efforts to oppose the president.

Recent polling indicates a significant disapproval of congressional leadership within the Democratic party, with 61% of voters expressing dissatisfaction with Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

With Republicans controlling the White House and Congress, Democrats find it challenging to block administration initiatives.

Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin acknowledged the frustration among their supporters but emphasised their commitment to doing their best given their minority status.