Numerous uncertainties surround the appointment of David Weiss as special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland, raising questions about whether Weiss, a U.S. Attorney tasked with investigating potential misconduct involving Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, is a suitable candidate for the role.
Contrary to the perception that the special counsel statute mandates a selection from outside the government, Weiss was already within the federal government when he was chosen. This has led to concerns about his ability to maintain impartiality and avoid potential conflicts of interest.
During an interview with FM Talk 106.5, a radio station based in Mobile, AL, Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) expressed his belief that Weiss should face an inquiry for potentially obstructing justice. As the House Republican Policy chairman, Palmer holds the fourth-ranking position among Republicans.
Palmer pointed to allegations that Weiss impeded an ongoing investigation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This assertion came to light through a whistleblower who brought the issue to Congress. According to Palmer, Weiss’ actions hindered the IRS investigation, leading to concerns that the appointment of a special counsel could further impede access to crucial materials and information.
The special counsel statute, in Palmer’s view, stipulates that the individual selected should be external to the federal government. He criticized Merrick Garland’s choice of Weiss, suggesting that Garland may not have thoroughly understood the statute or its implications. Palmer asserted that Weiss, being a U.S. Attorney and already involved in government proceedings, does not fulfill the requirement of an external candidate.
Palmer delved into the specifics of his concerns, citing instances when Weiss allegedly denied investigators access to vital documents and materials related to the investigation of Hunter Biden. During an interaction with IRS investigators, Palmer claims that Gary Shapley, a supervisor overseeing the Hunter Biden investigation, confirmed that access to crucial evidence was denied. This denial reportedly extended to materials such as the FBI’s form 1023, which contained significant information about the Ukrainian gas company Burisma and its connections to Hunter Biden.
The implications of these alleged obstructions, according to Palmer, were profound, as they led to the expiration of the statute of limitations for the case. Consequently, Palmer’s contention is that an investigation into David Weiss for obstruction of justice is warranted.
The controversy surrounding Weiss’ appointment underscores the complexities and potential conflicts that can arise in high-stakes investigations involving individuals with political connections. As the debate continues, the issue of impartiality, adherence to legal statutes, and the potential consequences of alleged obstructions remain at the forefront of discussions.