U.S. President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, could be on the brink of a criminal trial after plea deal discussions hit a standstill, according to a court filing Friday by the newly appointed U.S. Special Counsel, David Weiss.  

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland elevated Weiss, who had been overseeing the case, to the status of special counsel, granting him additional investigative powers.  

Weiss as the U.S. Attorney for Delaware has been investigating Biden since 2019.In June, Weiss brought forth misdemeanor criminal tax and firearm charges against Hunter Biden. Both sides seemed to have agreed upon a plea deal, yet a federal judge declined it.

Accusations against Hunter include neglecting to pay taxes on an income exceeding $1.5 million across 2017 and 2018, even though he owed in excess of $100,000.  

He has yet to enter a plea on the charges of illicit possession of a firearm while using illegal drugs.  Both issues were part of the plea deal that fell through.

Republicans in Congress have voiced threats of an impeachment inquiry rooted in unverified allegations that the president reaped benefits from his son's business engagements.

If Hunter Biden were to stand trial, it would create an unparalleled scene in U.S. history, especially as President Biden prepares for his 2024 re-election campaign, potentially against Donald Trump, who concurrently faces three separate criminal trials.

Weiss's Role and Broader Political Implications

Initially appointed as the U.S. Attorney for Delaware by then-President Trump, Weiss began the Hunter Biden investigation in 2019 and was retained during the Biden administration. 

His role as special counsel now affords him a level of independence not typically given to federal prosecutors.Weiss has hinted at the possibility of introducing diverse charges against Hunter in Washington or California. 

Upon completion of his investigation, Weiss will produce a report, a substantial portion of which the Justice Department plans to make public.

While the Republicans assert that Joe Biden benefited from his son's business transactions in Ukraine and China, no specific evidence has been presented. Nonetheless, House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy hinted at an impeachment inquiry this fall.

Hunter Biden's career spans various roles, including lobbying and investment banking, and he has publicly acknowledged his battles with alcoholism and substance abuse. The overarching narrative, embroiled in political maneuverings, continues to shape the prelude to the 2024 presidential race, with both sides leveraging the situation to their advantage.

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