Hunter Biden Investigation: Current Status (January 22, 2026)
Table of Contents
The federal investigation into Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, remains ongoing as of January 22, 2026, focusing on potential tax violations and foreign business dealings. While no new indictments have been issued since June 2024, the investigation hasn’t been formally closed and continues under the purview of Special Counsel David Weiss.
Background and Initial Investigation
The investigation began in 2018, initially focusing on Hunter Biden’s business activities in Ukraine and China. Concerns centered around potential conflicts of interest during the time his father served as Vice president. The probe expanded to include scrutiny of his tax filings and potential violations of lobbying laws.
In June 2024, Hunter Biden was convicted on three felony counts related to false statements made during a gun purchase in 2018. Department of Justice Press Release. He was sentenced to probation. However, the broader investigation into his financial dealings continues.
David Weiss and the Special Counsel Appointment
David Weiss was appointed as Special counsel in August 2023 by Attorney General Merrick Garland to oversee the investigation. Attorney General Garland’s Order Appointing Special Counsel. This appointment was made following allegations of political interference in the investigation by the Department of Justice. Weiss has maintained his independence throughout the process.
As Special Counsel, Weiss has the authority to pursue all relevant leads and bring charges as warranted. His continued involvement signals the seriousness with which the Department of Justice views the matter, despite the conviction on gun charges.
Key Entities and Individuals Involved
- Hunter Biden: The primary subject of the investigation.
- joe Biden: President of the United States; scrutiny focuses on potential influence peddling, though he has not been accused of wrongdoing.
- David Weiss: Special Counsel overseeing the investigation.
- Merrick Garland: Attorney General of the United States, appointed Weiss as Special counsel.
- First Bank of Wilmington: A bank involved in suspicious activity reports related to Hunter Biden’s financial transactions. House Oversight Committee Report on Bank Records
Current Focus of the Investigation
The current focus of the investigation centers on hunter Biden’s tax filings between 2014 and 2019. Investigators are examining whether he accurately reported his income from foreign sources and whether he properly paid taxes on those earnings. The investigation also continues to explore potential violations of the foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) related to his work with foreign companies.
In December 2025, the House Ways and Means Committee released a transcript of testimony from Devon Archer, a former business associate of Hunter Biden, which provided further details about Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings. House Ways and Means Committee – Archer Transcript.The committee continues to investigate the financial connections.
Potential Outcomes
Possible outcomes of the ongoing investigation include additional charges related to tax fraud or FARA violations. The investigation could also conclude without further charges if investigators determine that there is insufficient evidence to secure a conviction. The timing of any potential resolution remains uncertain.
As of january 22, 2026, the Department of Justice has not provided a timeline for the completion of the investigation.
