Hunter Biden Investigation: Latest Status (January 27, 2026)
Table of Contents
The federal investigation into Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, remains ongoing as of January 27, 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.
David Weiss and the Special Counsel Appointment
David Weiss was appointed as Special Counsel in August 2023 by Attorney General Merrick Garland to continue the investigation into Hunter Biden. The official order granting Weiss special counsel authority was issued to ensure independence and avoid any appearance of political influence. Weiss had been investigating Biden since 2018.
The appointment followed a whistleblower account alleging that the Department of Justice improperly interfered with the investigation. The Justice Department released a report from its Inspector General in December 2023 addressing these allegations, finding no evidence of improper political interference, but detailing instances of unusual handling of facts.
Current Charges and legal Proceedings
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 indictment details alleged failures to file and pay taxes for the years 2016, 2017, and 2018.
In August 2023,a plea deal was reached that would have resolved the tax charges,but the deal fell apart during a court hearing after questions were raised about the scope of immunity it would provide Biden from future charges. Reuters reported on the collapse of the plea deal, citing concerns from Judge Maryellen Noreika.
As of January 27, 2026, the tax charges remain pending. The firearm charge is also still active, with legal challenges ongoing regarding the constitutionality of the law Biden is accused of violating. A ruling on the constitutionality of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) is expected in the spring of 2026.
Foreign Business Dealings and Congressional Investigations
Congressional republicans have conducted multiple investigations into Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings, particularly his work with Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company, and his involvement with Chinese companies. The House Oversight Committee released bank records in August 2024 alleging financial connections between the Biden family and foreign entities.
These investigations have focused on whether President Biden benefited financially from his son’s business activities. No direct evidence of such benefit has been publicly presented, but the investigations continue. The House Ways and Means Committee released transcripts from whistleblower testimony in November 2023 related to the investigation.
Key Individuals and Institutions
- David Weiss: Special Counsel overseeing the investigation.
- Merrick Garland: Attorney General of the United States, appointed Weiss as Special Counsel.
- Hunter Biden: Subject of the investigation,son of President Joe Biden.
- Joe Biden: President of the United States,whose business dealings are under scrutiny.
- Department of Justice (DOJ): Federal agency conducting the investigation.
- House Oversight Committee: Congressional committee investigating Hunter Biden’s business dealings.
