With a good number of picks for Cabinet positions already rolled out to the public, many are now wondering who would be taking over the Justice Department in the incoming Biden administration. The incoming White House press secretary has revealed that Joe Biden is leaving out the current investigations regarding his son Hunter Biden.
Incoming White House press secretary Jen Psaki revealed on Fox News Sunday that the president-elect is not discussing the investigations into his son amongst the possible candidates for DOJ attorney general. Biden has not yet made a decision as to who would be the attorney general as well. The question comes as speculations have risen on whether or not the future DOJ attorney general would have to recuse themselves from the investigations so as to maintain independence.
“He will not be discussing an investigation of his son with any attorney general candidates. He will not be discussing it with anyone he is considering for the role, and he will not be discussing it with a future attorney general,” said Psaki. Biden and his aides have stressed that the incoming president would not be interfering in the Justice Department’s investigations or any future investigations concerning his son.
Hunter Biden announced earlier this month that federal investigators launched a probe into his taxes. The securities fraud unit in the Southern District of New York was reported to look into his financial dealings as well. Biden’s son has often been targeted by Republicans in an attempt to attack the former vice president, including Trump, who has brought him up during the first presidential debate. Trump’s attempts to look into Hunter Biden’s dealings in Ukraine resulted in the impeachment trials.
Outgoing Attorney General William Barr has also weighed in on the current situation. Barr said in a news conference Monday that there is no reason to name a special counsel to take over the investigation surrounding Biden’s son. Barr’s comments dismiss those made by Trump, who has pushed for naming a special counsel to look into the probe of Mr. Biden’s taxes, which are currently with the attorney’s office in Delaware.
“And to this point, I see no reason to appoint a special counsel, and I see no reason to do so before I leave,” said Barr, two days before he officially steps down as attorney general.