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- The federal investigation into Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, remains ongoing as of January 19, 2026, focusing on potential tax violations and foreign business dealings.
- The investigation began in 2018, initially focusing on Hunter Biden's business activities in Ukraine and China.
- The firearm charge was later dismissed in September 2023 after a plea deal fell apart during a court hearing.
Hunter Biden Investigation: Latest status (as of January 19, 2026)
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The federal investigation into Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, remains ongoing as of January 19, 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.
Background and Initial Charges
The investigation began in 2018, initially focusing on Hunter Biden’s business activities in Ukraine and China. In June 2023,Hunter Biden was indicted 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. Department of Justice Press Release. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The firearm charge was later dismissed in September 2023 after a plea deal fell apart during a court hearing. reuters Report on Plea Deal Rejection. The tax charges remain pending.
David Weiss’s Appointment as Special Counsel
In August 2023, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed David Weiss as special Counsel to continue the investigation. Attorney General Garland’s Order Appointing Special Counsel.This appointment was made to provide Weiss wiht greater independence and authority to pursue the investigation. Weiss had been investigating the case as the U.S. Attorney for Delaware since 2018.
The scope of Weiss’s authority as Special Counsel includes investigating potential violations of federal tax laws,money laundering statutes,and the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) related to Hunter Biden’s business dealings.
Recent Developments (2024-2026)
Since the appointment of the Special Counsel, the investigation has continued with grand jury subpoenas issued to individuals connected to Hunter Biden’s business ventures. NBC News Report on Grand Jury Subpoenas. As of January 19, 2026, there have been no further public indictments. However, sources familiar with the investigation indicate that the Special Counsel’s office is actively reviewing financial records and conducting interviews.
In February 2025, the House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer, released a report detailing alleged financial transactions involving Hunter Biden and his family, claiming potential influence peddling. House Oversight Committee Report. The Department of Justice has not commented on the committee’s findings.
- Joe Biden: President of the United States and father of hunter biden.
- David Weiss: Special Counsel overseeing the investigation.
- Merrick Garland: U.S. Attorney General who appointed David Weiss as Special Counsel.
- James Comer: Chairman of the House Oversight Committee.
- Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA): A U.S. law requiring individuals and entities acting as agents of foreign governments to register with the Department of Justice.