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Hunter Biden Inquiry: current Status (january 19, 2026)
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 December 2023,the special counsel appointed in August 2023,David Weiss,continues to pursue the case.
The initial investigation began in 2018, examining Hunter Biden’s financial activities, including his work with burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company, and his business ventures in China. Concerns centered on potential violations of tax laws, money laundering, and foreign lobbying regulations. In June 2023, Biden reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors regarding tax charges, but the deal fell apart after a judge raised concerns about the scope of immunity it would grant him from future prosecution. Following the failed plea agreement, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Weiss as special counsel to continue the investigation.
In December 2023,Hunter Biden was indicted on three felony counts related to his failure to file and pay taxes,and for allegedly illegally 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 trial is currently scheduled to begin in June 2026.
David Weiss and the Special Counsel Appointment
David Weiss is the United States Attorney for the District of Delaware and was appointed as special counsel in the Hunter Biden investigation on August 11, 2023. A special counsel is appointed when the Department of Justice determines a conflict of interest exists or that a heightened degree of independence is required for a particular investigation.
Weiss’s appointment came after republican lawmakers raised concerns about the handling of the investigation and alleged political interference from the Justice Department. The special counsel status grants Weiss increased authority and independence to pursue the investigation without direct oversight from political appointees. Attorney General Garland’s Appointment Order.
On January 17, 2026, Special Counsel Weiss filed a motion to compel Hunter Biden to testify before a grand jury, citing his repeated failure to comply with subpoenas. NBC News Report on Subpoena. The motion is currently pending before Judge Maryellen Noreika.
Key Entities and Individuals
The Hunter Biden investigation involves numerous entities and individuals. Joe Biden, as the father of Hunter Biden, has been the subject of scrutiny, though he has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Burisma Holdings, the Ukrainian energy company where Hunter Biden served on the board, is central to allegations of potential conflicts of interest. Merrick Garland,the Attorney General,made the decision to appoint David Weiss as special counsel.David Weiss, the Special Counsel, is leading the current investigation. The Department of Justice is the overseeing body of the investigation.
other related entities include Hunter Biden’s business associates, such as Devon Archer and Derek Flashman, who have been questioned by investigators. New York Times Report on Devon Archer Testimony. Congressional committees, including the House Oversight Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee, have also been actively investigating Hunter Biden’s activities.
