In a recent testimony before the Republican-controlled House of Representatives Oversight Committee, a former FBI agent shed light on the investigation into Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden. The agent confirmed that while he was not aware of any political interference in the case, higher-ranking officials did block an interview with Hunter Biden shortly after the 2020 presidential election.

During the July 17 interview, the FBI supervisory agent corroborated the earlier testimony of an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblower. According to the transcripts, investigators were prohibited from interviewing Hunter Biden on December 8, 2020, after the Biden transition team and top Secret Service officials were informed of the plan. The retired FBI agent expressed frustration over the decision but did not consider it a problematic outcome, emphasizing that he personally did not witness any political interference.

Republicans, however, have seized on this testimony as evidence of misconduct by the Justice Department, despite the fact that these events occurred during the Trump administration. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer condemned the alleged misconduct, particularly highlighting U.S. Attorney David Weiss, a Trump appointee who was recently named special counsel despite objections from many House Republicans.

Hunter Biden has been at the center of a political firestorm, facing charges of failing to pay taxes on over $1.5 million in income in 2017 and 2018, as well as unlawfully owning a firearm while using illegal drugs. The former FBI agent revealed that investigators had planned to surprise Hunter Biden with an interview request but had to notify the Secret Service, who had begun protecting him following his father's election victory. Ultimately, both the FBI and Secret Service headquarters were informed of the interview plan, leading to access being blocked.

Furthermore, the former agent mentioned receiving contact from an attorney representing Hunter Biden following these events. In a separate development, lawyers for Hunter Biden filed a court document on Sunday, disclosing that a proposed plea deal had been rejected. This rejection raises the possibility of a criminal trial for the president's son. The proposed deal aimed to resolve tax and firearms charges against Hunter Biden but was rejected by US District Judge Maryellen Noreika in July due to concerns over legality and the extent of immunity it offered.

The case has become highly politicized, with Republicans accusing the Department of Justice of granting Hunter Biden a "sweetheart deal" and even threatening to impeach President Biden over his son's business dealings. In response, Attorney General Merrick Garland has elevated U.S. Attorney David Weiss to special counsel status, granting him additional authority in the case.

If the case against Hunter Biden proceeds to trial, it is likely to coincide with President Biden's reelection campaign in November 2024. This potential trial sets the stage for a politically charged confrontation between the two major parties. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, who is also anticipated to face criminal trials next year, would likely be a key figure in the political landscape.