In a bid to defend himself against criminal gun charges, Hunter Biden has requested subpoenas for former President Donald Trump and top officials in his Justice Department. The filing argues that Trump and his allies placed “incessant, improper, and partisan pressure” that led to an investigation against Biden, infringing on his Fifth Amendment rights. The proposed subpoenas would demand all “documents and records (personal or official platforms) reflecting communications” relating to any investigation or prosecution of Hunter Biden during Trump’s administration.
The court filing asks Judge U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika, a Trump nominee, to issue subpoenas to Trump, former Attorney General Bill Barr, former acting Deputy Attorney General Richard Donoghue, and former acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen. The filing claims that the investigation was a result of pressure from Trump and his allies, possibly a vindictive or selective prosecution arising from an unrelenting pressure campaign. Moreover, it highlights communications between Trump and Barr, as well as pressure from House Republicans on special counsel David Weiss, suggesting that the investigation was politically motivated.
Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, asserts that the pressure “culminated in Special Counsel Weiss’s then changing course and bringing this Indictment on September 14 against Mr. Biden.” The filing also cites Barr’s book and IRS case files to support its argument. Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to the gun charges, and the proposed subpoenas would call for the four to turn over all relevant documents and records from the Trump administration. NBC News has reached out to the special counsel’s office and Trump’s campaign for comment.
