White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to say at a press conference Wednesday what role President Joe Biden played in his son's impromptu visit to the Capitol.
On Wednesday, while the House Oversight Committee was debating whether to hold Hunter Biden in contempt, his eldest son made an unexpected appearance at a hearing and then sauntered out shortly afterward. Jean-Pierre previously said President Biden was aware of his son's decision to ignore a congressional subpoena, but declined to say Wednesday whether the president knew what his son would do. There wasn't. (Related: White House 'deceived' Americans about Hunter Biden's art deal, Comer says)
“Was the White House informed in advance that Hunter Biden would be attending the House Oversight Committee hearing today at the Capitol?” a reporter asked.
“So what I want to say here is what I've said many times before: Hunter is a civilian, as you all know. He's not a member of this White House. He's not a member of Congress like he is today. I will make my own decisions about how to respond to this, and if I have any further questions, any additional questions about this process, I will refer them to Hunter's representatives,” Jean-Pierre said.
“completely [inaudible] “He says he will make his own decisions, but my question was whether the White House was informed about this,” the reporter continued.
“Again, I have nothing. I have nothing more to share. It is his decision and I will introduce you to his agent,” Jean-Pierre said.
House Republicans on the Oversight and Judiciary committees on Tuesday asked the House to hold Hunter Biden in contempt for refusing to appear in a private deposition on Dec. 13 and failing to comply with a congressional subpoena. Recommended. Instead of agreeing to a private deposition, the eldest son appeared outside the Capitol and held a press conference slamming the Republican impeachment inquiry into his father. Hunter Biden previously said he would only testify in public.
“Let me be as clear as possible: My father has no financial involvement in my business, nor was he involved as a lawyer or as a board member of Burisma. Partnership with a private Chinese businessman It's not an investment of mine, domestically or internationally, and certainly not as an artist,” Hunter Biden said at a press conference.
After Hunter Biden stormed out of a hearing at the Capitol on Wednesday, his attorney Abby D. Lowell briefly addressed reporters. (Related: Comer says Democratic donors bought 'vast majority' of Hunter Biden's art)
lowell challenged House Republicans have attempted to disparage Hunter Biden, repeating his eldest son's previous offer to testify publicly.
“Today, the Republican chairmen are usurping an unprecedented resolution to insult a person who has offered to publicly answer all the appropriate questions,” Lowell told reporters Wednesday.
The next reporter Jean-Pierre called on during the briefing, Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy, also pressed the press secretary about the White House's level of knowledge regarding Hunter Biden's Capitol appearance.
“Hunter Biden in the Capitol today. How much of a headache is that for you?” Doocy opened.
“Hunter Biden is a private citizen. As you know, he is not part of the White House and there is nothing else I can share,” Jean-Pierre responded.
Doocy told Jean-Pierre that the last time Hunter Biden showed up at the Capitol in defiance of a congressional subpoena, the president “certainly knew” what Hunter was going to say. It reminded me of what I said.
“I certainly said that, and what I'm saying today is–” said Jean-Pierre.
“So President Biden's official policy is that he will not cooperate with business transactions, but he will cooperate with evading Congressional subpoenas?” Doocy continued.
“That's not true. That's a leap of faith…incredibly dishonest in that question. What I want to say to you is–” Jean-Pierre followed, clearly irritated by the question.
“Just help us. Tell us what the president knew,” Doocy said.
