Billionaire Bernard Arnault, head of LVMH, testified in a Paris court, denying any knowledge of an alleged influence-peddling scheme involving Bernard Squarcini, former head of France's domestic intelligence agency. Squarcini is accused of using his position for private gain, including obtaining confidential information for LVMH. Arnault stated he was unaware of any such activities and emphasized that neither he nor LVMH were indicted. The case also involves allegations of spying on journalist-turned-lawmaker Francois Ruffin, who had criticized Arnault in a satirical film.
Donald Trump's legal team conducted an internal investigation into allegations that his aide, Boris Epshteyn, sought financial gain by leveraging his influence within Trump's circle. Epshteyn allegedly requested payments for promoting candidates for administration positions and facilitating introductions. Despite recommendations to distance Epshteyn from Trump, the transition team has not acted on them. Epshteyn denies the claims, calling them defamatory. The investigation highlights internal tensions and infighting within Trump's transition team.
President Joe Biden visited his daughter-in-law Hallie Biden before she testifies in Hunter Biden's trial on gun charges. Hunter is accused of illegally purchasing a revolver in 2018 while falsely claiming he was not a drug user. Hallie, who was in a relationship with Hunter after her husband Beau Biden's death, allegedly disposed of Hunter's gun in a dumpster. The trial is part of broader allegations against Hunter involving influence-peddling schemes.
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are urging a hearing to investigate Jared Kushner's alleged "influence peddling" and quid pro quo deals involving foreign investments in exchange for official actions, citing concerns about national security threats. This comes amid reports that Kushner has been pursuing real estate deals with foreign governments using contacts from his time in the Trump administration, prompting calls for scrutiny into potential ethical breaches. Republicans, however, argue that the focus on Kushner is a tactic to deflect attention from President Biden's own family business dealings and assert that Kushner's business activities predate his involvement in politics.
Two former business associates of Hunter Biden testified publicly on Capitol Hill, with Tony Bobulinski accusing Hunter Biden of lying under oath about his father's involvement in his business dealings. Bobulinski also claimed that Hunter and Jim Biden committed perjury, while Democrats and Republicans sparred over the credibility of their witnesses. Bobulinski targeted Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, claiming he "begged" him to review text message evidence, and Rep. Jared Moskowitz challenged GOP committee chairs to hold a vote on impeaching President Biden.
Kentucky Rep. James Comer downplayed the significance of indicted FBI informant Alexander Smirnov's claims in the GOP-led Biden family influence peddling probe, stating that Smirnov's allegations were not a crucial part of the case. Comer pledged that GOP lawmakers will thoroughly investigate all allegations of Biden influence peddling, while also questioning the handling of the case by FBI officials. Meanwhile, House investigators interviewed Hunter Biden's ex-business associate, Jason Galanis, who claimed that Joe Biden played a key role in a Chinese energy deal and that the Bidens received millions from foreign entities.
House Republican Rep. Andy Biggs expressed his willingness to have Hunter Biden testify, stating he would have raised his hand if present when Democrats offered the opportunity during a Wednesday hearing. Biggs accused Democrats of wanting to distract from the issues surrounding the president’s son and emphasized his desire to hear from Hunter. This comes as the House oversight and judiciary panels voted to advance a contempt of Congress resolution against Hunter Biden for defying a subpoena last month.
Larry Kudlow expresses his lack of surprise at Hunter Biden's defiance of the Republican House, suggesting that it was orchestrated by his lawyers and that Joe Biden was aware of it. Kudlow questions the shifting statements made by Joe Biden regarding his involvement in his son's business and raises suspicions about potential money laundering, bribery charges, and influence peddling. He highlights the need for investigations into these matters and speculates that an impeachment investigation may be a more strategic move than an actual impeachment. Kudlow also emphasizes the importance for Republicans to focus on a strong economic growth message and criticizes Biden's handling of the border crisis and foreign policy failures.
Conservative commentators are celebrating the nine charges filed against Hunter Biden in a grand jury indictment by federal prosecutor David Weiss. However, Larry Kudlow expresses concern that these charges may make Hunter "untouchable" and allow him to avoid revealing details about alleged influence peddling and bribery crimes. Kudlow speculates that this may distance GOP oversight investigators from Joe Biden, suggesting that Weiss may have strategically put Hunter "on ice" to protect the president. Kudlow also suggests that if Joe Biden wins the election, he may pardon his son, while if Donald Trump wins, Hunter may make a deal and spend time in jail.
House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer has released subpoenaed bank records revealing that Hunter Biden's business entity, Owasco PC, made direct monthly payments to Joe Biden. The payments are part of a pattern suggesting that Joe Biden knew about and benefited from his family's influence peddling schemes, which involved receiving millions from foreign nationals and companies. The House Oversight Committee is continuing its investigation into President Biden's involvement in his family's corrupt domestic and international business dealings.
The House Oversight Committee Chairman, James Comer, has issued subpoenas to Hunter Biden, James Biden, and other family members and associates, signaling a new phase in the impeachment inquiry of President Biden. Comer claims to have evidence of the Bidens' involvement in influence peddling schemes and argues that bank records reveal how they benefited at the expense of U.S. interests. The subpoenas direct Hunter Biden and James Biden to appear for depositions in December. The move has been criticized by Democrats, who argue that there is no evidence of wrongdoing by President Biden. Former President Trump has publicly urged House Republicans to move forward with charges against President Biden.
In a segment on MSNBC, Ali Velshi discusses the issue of nepotism and influence peddling in politics, highlighting that it is not exclusive to the Bidens. He emphasizes the need for transparency and ethical behavior in political systems to prevent corruption and maintain public trust.
The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability has released a third bank records memorandum revealing new information about the Biden family's alleged influence peddling schemes. The memorandum outlines how the Bidens and their associates received millions of dollars from oligarchs in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine during Joe Biden's vice presidency. Hunter Biden's former business partner testified that Joe Biden was "the brand" used to enrich the Biden family, and evidence suggests that no real services were provided in exchange for the payments. The committee will continue to investigate whether foreign actors targeted the Bidens, if President Biden is compromised or corrupt, and if national security is at risk.
Costa Rica's President Rodrigo Chaves and several top officials, including his advisor Gabriel Vargas and Communication Minister Jorge Rodríguez, are facing a criminal investigation for alleged influence peddling. The charges stem from a complaint filed by a businessman who accuses the officials of improperly interfering in two legal cases in exchange for political gain. The investigation is ongoing, and if convicted, the officials could face prison sentences of 2-5 years.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has claimed that new bank records his panel expects to obtain will reveal that the Biden family has accepted as much as $30 million from foreign nationals. Comer has identified nine members of the Biden clan, including first son Hunter Biden and the president’s brother James Biden, as having allegedly received foreign income. The panel has gleaned the information from records Comer has issued subpoenas for from four banks. Comer vowed to continue following the money and noted that the committee hasn’t begun probing first brother James’ overseas business dealings, which could put the total amount of money the Biden family has accepted from foreign nationals even higher.
