A New York Times article has confirmed the existence of Hunter Biden’s laptop. The Times also reported that Biden in recent months told an associate he paid federal taxes of more than $1 million in connection with the tax liability that is at least one part of the investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Delaware.
The Times reported that although the probe initially was focused on a possible criminal violation of tax laws, it since has broadened to include questions of whether Hunter Biden violated laws related to foreign lobbying and money laundering. The laptop confirmation was included in the Times report.
The laptop’s hard drive contained emails, text messages, photos and financial documents between Hunter Biden, his family and business associates detailing how President Joe Biden’s son used his political leverage in his overseas business dealings.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Thursday declined to comment on the report and dismissed the issue later when it was brought up highlighting Psaki’s own past dismissal of the laptop.
“You in October 2020 dismissed [the laptop], dismissed it as Russian disinformation. Do you stand by that assessment?” a reporter asked.
“I’d point you to the Department of Justice and Hunter Biden’s representatives,” Psaki responded. “I’m a spokesperson for the United States. He doesn’t work for the United States.”
Hunter Biden has been under investigation for failing to pay taxes since his father was vice president, but the inquiry expanded in 2018 to look into how his international business dealings intersected with President Biden’s political career.
According to the Times, the Justice Department has given no public indication that it has made decisions about any element of the case, and Hunter Biden has not been charged with any crime.
When he disclosed the investigation after the 2020 election, Hunter Biden said that “a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately.”
