Fact Check: Did Joe Biden commit crimes

Did Joe Biden Commit Crimes?

Introduction

The claim that President Joe Biden has committed crimes has gained traction in political discourse, particularly among his opponents. This assertion is often linked to various investigations into his family members, particularly Hunter Biden, and allegations of corruption during Biden's vice presidency. This article aims to explore the context and available evidence surrounding these claims without reaching a definitive conclusion.

What We Know

1. Investigations into Hunter Biden: The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability has been investigating Hunter Biden's business dealings, which include allegations of foreign influence and financial misconduct. In a recent report, the committee referred Hunter and James Biden for criminal prosecution as part of an impeachment inquiry against President Biden, citing direct payments to Joe Biden from Hunter's business entity 16.

2. Allegations of Bribery: Senator Chuck Grassley released an FBI record alleging a foreign bribery scheme involving then-Vice President Biden. The document claims that significant evidence exists regarding illicit payments to the Biden family, although the specifics and veracity of these claims remain contested 3.

3. Impeachment Resolutions: Multiple resolutions have been introduced in Congress to impeach President Biden, citing abuse of power and enabling bribery. These resolutions reflect ongoing partisan divisions regarding the interpretation of Biden's actions and their legality 49.

4. Special Counsel Investigation: A report from Special Counsel Weiss, expected to be released in January 2025, may provide further insights into any potential criminality associated with Biden or his family. However, the details of this investigation are not yet public 2.

5. Sexual Misconduct Allegations: There have been allegations of sexual misconduct against Biden, notably from Tara Reade, who claimed that Biden assaulted her in the 1990s. However, the details surrounding these allegations are complex and have evolved over time, with Reade's own credibility being questioned due to her later actions, including seeking Russian citizenship 10.

Analysis

The sources cited present a mix of official congressional documents, statements from political figures, and media reports. However, the reliability and bias of these sources vary significantly:

• Congressional Sources: The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability's reports and resolutions are official documents, but they may reflect partisan biases. The committee is currently controlled by Republicans, which could influence the framing of the investigations and findings 146.

• FBI Records: The document released by Senator Grassley, while originating from a federal agency, lacks context and has not been independently verified. The claims of a bribery scheme are serious but require further substantiation to assess their validity 3.

• Special Counsel Reports: The upcoming report from Special Counsel Weiss is anticipated to be a significant source of information. However, until it is released, any claims regarding its findings remain speculative 2.

• Media Reports: Coverage of Biden's alleged misconduct, particularly regarding sexual allegations, often varies in tone and interpretation. Sources like Wikipedia provide a summary of allegations but may not always capture the nuances of ongoing legal and political developments 10.

Conflicts of Interest

Many of the sources discussing Biden's alleged crimes come from politically motivated entities, which raises questions about their objectivity. For instance, the House Oversight Committee's investigations are part of a broader political strategy that may aim to undermine Biden's presidency rather than seek impartial truth.

Methodology and Evidence

The claims surrounding Biden's alleged criminality are often based on circumstantial evidence, hearsay, and politically charged narratives. A more rigorous investigation would require concrete evidence, such as financial records, witness testimonies, and corroborative documentation that can withstand scrutiny.

Conclusion

Verdict: Unverified

The claims surrounding President Joe Biden's alleged criminal activities remain unverified due to a lack of conclusive evidence. Key pieces of evidence, such as the investigations into Hunter Biden and the allegations of bribery, are often politically charged and lack independent verification. While congressional reports and FBI records provide some context, they are subject to partisan interpretation and do not definitively establish wrongdoing by President Biden himself.

It is important to note that the ongoing investigations, including the anticipated report from Special Counsel Weiss, may yield further insights, but until such information is made public, the claims cannot be substantiated. The complexity of the allegations, particularly those involving sexual misconduct, adds another layer of uncertainty, as the credibility of sources and the evolving nature of the claims complicate the narrative.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the limitations of the available evidence. The political landscape surrounding these allegations is highly polarized, and as such, it is essential to approach the topic with a discerning eye.

Sources

1. Biden Family Investigation - United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Link
2. Report of Special Counsel Weiss January 2025. Link
3. Grassley Obtains & Releases FBI Record Alleging VP Biden Foreign Bribery Scheme. Link
4. H.Res.503 - Impeaching Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States. Link
5. The Justice Department's Deviations From Standard Processes in Its Investigation of Hunter Biden. Link
6. Impeachment Inquiry of President Joseph R. Biden. Link
7. The Bidens’ Influence Peddling Timeline - United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Link
8. Hunter Biden Criminal Investigation Archives - United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Link
9. H.Res.57 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): Impeaching Joseph R. Biden. Link
10. Joe Biden sexual misconduct allegation - Wikipedia. Link