AG and Garland deny interference in Hunter Biden investigation, while new details emerge on $5 million payment.

Attorney General Merrick Garland denied claims from IRS whistleblowers that the Justice Department interfered with the investigation into Hunter Biden, saying attacks on the department’s independence are corrosive. Garland also rebutted criticism from Republicans that a plea agreement for the president's son on tax and gun charges made public this week reflects political influence in the American justice system. The Republican-led House Ways and Means Committee released a transcript of testimony from an IRS official who claimed that Garland had denied a request from U.S. Attorney David Weiss of Delaware to be appointed special counsel, but Garland said Weiss never made such a request and always had full authority to file charges wherever and however he saw fit against President Joe Biden's son.