House Republicans on Wednesday launched a probe of President Biden’s family members, demanding answers from the White House on their efforts to ‘profit from proximity’ to power.
It follows reports that Hunter Biden’s newfound art career could see him pocket as much as $500,000 for a painting.
Republicans on the House Oversight Committee accused the president son, brother Frank and sister Valerie of using Biden’s position to line their own pockets.
‘Reports regarding President Biden’s family members attempting to profit from their proximity to the White House have been disturbing and recurring,’ wrote Ranking Member James Comer and the Republican lawmakers.
‘Unfortunately, these reports of President Biden using his former official positions of public trust to swell the coffers of his family members are widespread, and any hope the pattern of family self-dealing would finally stop when he assumed the presidency has been dashed.’
House Republicans on the oversight committee have written to the White House and the National Archives asking for documents and communications about Biden family business interests. They say their concerns were triggered by Hunter Biden’s newfound art career that promises lucrative returns
‘Self Portrait; by Hunter Biden. Some art experts say his large oil paintings could sell for as much as $500,000, triggering a fresh ethics row
Republicans have also raised questions about Biden’s sister, Valerie Biden Owens, and her deal to write a memoir. ‘This pattern – which appears to be nothing short of a cash-grab – continues beyond President Biden’s children,’ they wrote
House Republicans asked for documents relating to Hunter Biden’s artwork, a list of past and ongoing foreign business interests of members of the Biden family, a list of their speaking engagements, and any policies designed to ensure they do not profit from the presidency
Details of the letters, sent to the White House Counsel’s Office and the National Archives and Records Administration, were first reported by Fox News.
The White House has come under pressure to explain how it intends to ensure that buyers of Hunter Biden’s paintings do not get special favors from the administration.
‘After careful consideration, a system has been established that allows for Hunter Biden to work in his profession within reasonable safeguards,’ said White House press secretary Jen Psaki last week.
‘Of course, he has the right to pursue an artistic career just like any child of a president has the right to pursue a career.’
The eyewatering prices have also raised questions about whether 51-year-old Hunter Biden’s new career meant he was profiting off his name
Art dealer Georges Bergès is planning to host a private viewing of Biden’s art in Los Angeles in the fall, with a New York exhibition to follow.
Berges told Artnet the prices would start at $75,000 for works on paper.
‘The prices for these paintings—by someone with no formal training or history as an artist – raise questions about whether the art is being offered for its merit or its connection to the White House,’ wrote the Republicans.
They also pointed the finger at a recent book deal for Biden’s sister.
‘This pattern – which appears to be nothing short of a cash-grab – continues beyond President Biden’s children. Just last week, it was reported that Valerie Biden Owens, the President’s “sister, confidante, and longtime political strategist,” will publish a book presumably detailing her time as “The Joe Biden Whisperer.”’
‘Growing Up Biden: A Memoir’ is due to be published by Celador Books next year.
The letter also cited press reports about his brother Frank, describing how he was depicted in an ad for a law firm he advises. ‘[t]he two Biden brothers have long held a commitment to pushing environmental issues to the forefront,’ it said.
The letter asks for documents relating to Hunter Biden’s artwork, a list of past and ongoing foreign business interests of members of the Biden family, a list of their speaking engagements, and any policies designed to ensure they do not profit from the presidency.
The demands go back to Biden’s time as vice president with a request for information about a 2013 trip to China and a 2016 visit to Mexico, including communications about a ‘security incident’ on Air Force Two.
The administration has insisted it would pursue the highest ethical standards,
In January, Psaki said: ‘It’s the White House’s policy that the president’s name should not be used in connection with any commercial activities to suggest or in any way, in any way they could reasonably be understood to imply his endorsement or support.’