Hunter Biden, the son of former President Joe Biden, expressed his view that appointing Merrick Garland as U.S. attorney general was the “greatest mistake” of his father’s tenure. The discussion took place on the “I’ve Had It” podcast on Sunday, led by host Jennifer Welch.
Welch critiqued Garland and the Department of Justice for their decisions regarding former President Donald Trump and the investigation into Hunter Biden. She questioned Hunter Biden on what she termed “capitulation by Democrats” to Republicans in nominating Garland.
“One of the things that frustrates me is the Merrick Garland DOJ not prosecuting Trump, and the fact that they prosecuted you,” Welch remarked.
Hunter Biden responded by distancing himself from personal feelings, stating, “The single greatest mistake of my father’s administration was the leadership of Merrick Garland.” He added that the current circumstances were influenced by his father’s choice of Garland, noting that President Biden followed constitutional and traditional norms by staying out of Department of Justice decision-making.
The Department of Justice investigated Hunter Biden for issues related to tax charges and illegal firearm acquisition. He criticized Garland for not prosecuting Trump over the January 6 Capitol events.
Hunter Biden alleged Garland avoided a “100% legitimate investigation,” questioning the response to the Capitol riots.
“Did you not see the people storming the Capitol? It was part of a concerted and planned effort,” Hunter Biden stated.
Both Welch and Hunter Biden labeled Garland a “moderate,” suggesting President Biden appointed him to placate Republicans and fulfill a commitment following his earlier nomination by former President Obama for the Supreme Court.
In his final weeks in office, former President Joe Biden pardoned Hunter Biden for any possible offenses from January 1, 2014, to December 1, 2024.