Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, will plead guilty to federal tax offenses and avoid prosecution for a separate gun charge in a deal with the Justice Department, according to AP.
The deal, revealed Tuesday, ends a lengthy investigation into the president’s son, who has acknowledged his struggles with addiction following the death of his older brother, Beau, in 2015. It also prevents a trial that could have generated negative headlines for the White House.
Former President Donald Trump and Republicans have sought to use the case to criticize Joe Biden and question the independence of the Biden Justice Department.
Trump likened the agreement to a minor traffic ticket, claiming that the system is broken.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, both potential presidential contenders, criticized the outcome as a favorable treatment for the president’s son.
The White House expressed support for Hunter Biden as he continues to rebuild his life. The Justice Department is expected to recommend probation for the tax charges, but the final decision rests with the judge.
