Hunter Biden Examination: Current Status (January 26, 2026)
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The federal investigation into Hunter Biden, son of president Joe Biden, remains ongoing as of January 26, 2026, focusing on potential tax violations and foreign business dealings. While no new indictments have been issued since the initial charges in June 2023, the investigation continues under the purview of Special Counsel David Weiss.
Initial Indictment and Charges
Hunter Biden was initially indicted in June 2023 on two misdemeanor counts of failing to pay federal taxes and one felony count of possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.The Department of Justice announced the indictment, detailing alleged failures to pay taxes on over $1.4 million in income between 2016 and 2019.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges. The gun charge was later dismissed after a plea deal fell apart in court.A new indictment on the gun charge was filed in September 2023. Reuters reported on the re-indictment.
The Role of Special Counsel David Weiss
David Weiss was appointed as Special Counsel in August 2023 to oversee the investigation. The Attorney General’s order appointing Weiss granted him the authority to investigate potential violations of federal law arising from Hunter Biden’s business dealings and tax filings.
Weiss’s appointment followed scrutiny from Republican lawmakers who alleged a politically motivated slow-walking of the investigation by the Department of Justice.The Special Counsel status was intended to provide independence and ensure a thorough investigation.
Congressional Investigations
Multiple congressional committees, primarily led by Republicans, have conducted investigations into Hunter Biden’s business activities. the House Oversight Committee held a hearing in July 2023 focusing on alleged influence peddling. These investigations have centered on Hunter biden’s work with foreign companies in ukraine, China, and other countries.
These committees have sought financial records and testimony from Hunter biden and his associates. They allege that President Biden may have been involved in or benefited from his son’s business dealings, claims the White House has vehemently denied. As of January 26, 2026, no conclusive evidence directly linking President Biden to wrongdoing has been publicly presented by these committees.
Recent Developments (2024-2026)
Since the initial indictment and the appointment of the Special Counsel, the investigation has continued with grand jury testimony and document requests. NBC News reported on Hunter Biden’s closed-door testimony before the House Oversight Committee in February 2024.
In December 2025, Special Counsel Weiss indicated that the investigation was still active, but provided no timeline for its completion. CNN reported on weiss’s statement.The focus remains on potential tax evasion and whether Hunter Biden made false statements related to his firearm purchase.
- Joe Biden: President of the United States and father of Hunter Biden.
- David Weiss: Special Counsel overseeing the investigation.
- Department of Justice (DOJ): Federal agency conducting the investigation.Official DOJ Website
- House Oversight Committee: Congressional committee conducting its own investigation. Official House Oversight Committee Website
- Burisma Holdings: Ukrainian energy company where Hunter Biden served on the board.
