The impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden has been making headlines for weeks, as House Republicans accuse him of corruption and abuse of power related to his son Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings. But what are the facts behind the allegations?
What are the allegations against Biden?
The impeachment inquiry is based on two main allegations: that Biden used his influence as vice president to benefit his son’s business interests in countries like Ukraine, China and Kazakhstan, and that he received payments or benefits from those deals.
House Republicans claim they have evidence that shows Hunter Biden and his associates made millions of dollars from foreign sources, and that some of that money went to Joe Biden or his family. They also claim that Joe Biden met with some of his son’s business partners or clients, and that he pressured foreign governments to fire or investigate officials who were investigating or prosecuting his son or his associates.
The Republicans have issued subpoenas to several witnesses and entities related to the allegations, including Hunter Biden, his former business partner Devon Archer, the Justice Department, the Treasury Department, the State Department and several banks.
What is the evidence for the allegations?
So far, the Republicans have not presented any conclusive evidence that proves Joe Biden was involved in or benefited from his son’s business deals, or that he abused his power to help his son. Most of the evidence they have released consists of bank records, emails, text messages and testimony from witnesses who are not directly involved in the case.
Some of the evidence suggests that Hunter Biden and his associates did receive payments from foreign sources, but it does not show how much money went to Joe Biden or his family, or what services they provided in return. Some of the evidence also suggests that Joe Biden did meet with some of his son’s business contacts, but it does not show what they discussed or whether they influenced his official actions.
Some of the witnesses who have testified before the House Oversight Committee have said that they have no firsthand knowledge of any wrongdoing by Joe Biden, and that they have not seen any evidence that links him to his son’s business activities. For example, Bruce Dubinsky, a forensic accountant who analyzed some of the bank records, said he did not find any payments to Joe Biden or any indication that he was involved in any transactions. He also said he did not find any evidence of money laundering or tax evasion by Hunter Biden or his associates.
What is the response from Biden and the Democrats?
Joe Biden has denied any involvement in or knowledge of his son’s business dealings, and has said he never discussed them with him. He has also denied receiving any payments or benefits from those deals. He has called the impeachment inquiry a “witch hunt” and a “distraction” from the real issues facing the country.
The Democrats have dismissed the impeachment inquiry as a partisan attempt to undermine Biden’s presidency and to deflect attention from former President Donald Trump’s legal troubles. They have accused the Republicans of cherry-picking and misrepresenting evidence, and of pursuing a baseless conspiracy theory. They have also questioned the credibility and motives of some of the witnesses and sources that the Republicans have relied on.
The Democrats have argued that there is no grounds for impeachment, and that even if there were, it would be futile because the Senate, which is controlled by the Democrats, would not convict Biden and remove him from office.
What are the next steps in the impeachment process?
The House Oversight Committee is expected to hold more hearings and issue more subpoenas in the coming weeks, as it tries to gather more evidence and testimony for its impeachment inquiry. The committee will then draft articles of impeachment, which are formal charges against the president, and vote on whether to approve them. If a majority of the committee members vote in favor of the articles, they will be sent to the full House for a vote.
If a majority of the House members vote in favor of the articles, Biden will be impeached, which means he will be formally accused of misconduct. He will then face a trial in the Senate, where two-thirds of the senators must vote to convict him and remove him from office. If less than two-thirds vote to convict him, he will be acquitted and remain in office.
What are the chances of Biden being impeached and removed from office?
The chances of Biden being impeached by the House are high, given that the Republicans have a majority in the chamber and seem determined to pursue their inquiry. However, the chances of him being convicted and removed by the Senate are very low, given that the Democrats have a majority in the chamber and seem united in their support for him.
Unless new and compelling evidence emerges that implicates Biden in serious wrongdoing, or unless public opinion shifts dramatically against him, it is unlikely that enough Democrats will defect and vote to convict him. Therefore, it is likely that Biden will survive the impeachment process and remain in office until the end of his term or until he decides to resign or run for re-election.