Paintings of Biden's son are the subject of a US congressional investigation

Published on 26/01/2023 11:20

(Credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI)

Paintings of US President Joe Biden’s son, former businessman-turned-artist Hunter Biden, are at the center of a congressional investigation led by Republicans, who accuse the president’s family of “selling access and influence.”

The head of a powerful delegation wrote Wednesday to a New York gallery that exhibits the artist’s work, demanding that it provide Congress with a list of buyers of his pieces.

“His deal with Hunter Biden raises serious ethical concerns and calls into question whether the Biden family is once again selling access and influence,” Republican James Comer said in a letter.

Comer is also calling gallery owner Georges Burgess to testify before Congress in February.

US First Lady Jill Biden participates in a listening session with students at Hunter's Point Board School in St. Petersburg. Michaels, Arizona, on April 23, 2021. / AFP / POOL / MANDEL NGAN — US First Lady Jill Biden participates in a listening session with students at Hunter’s Point Board School in St. Petersburg. Michaels, Arizona, on April 23, 2021. / AFP / POOL / MANDEL NGAN
(Photo: MANDEL NGAN)

Hunter Biden is one of the favorite targets of the Republican camp, which, with its new majority in the House, has vowed to open a series of investigations into the Democratic president.

Republicans in particular point to the risk that representatives of industry and the financial market will buy off their employees with the sole purpose of gaining favor from the White House.

According to James Comer, some of the paintings exhibited at this New York gallery cost $225,000.

“Who would pay big bucks for Hunter Biden’s work? He’s not Pablo Picasso,” the conservative lawmaker declared on his Twitter account.

Asked by AFP, the gallery initially had no comment.

While his father was vice president under Barack Obama (2009–2017), the president’s youngest son was often criticized for having economic interests in Ukraine and China.

A memoir published by Hunter Biden, "Beautiful things, a memory" Seen at a bookstore on its release day in Washington, DC on 6 April 2021. In an interview with the BBC published on Tuesday -- marking the release of her new memoir, "Beautiful stuff" -- Hunter Biden confirmed partial accusations by Republicans that his father benefited from his family name when he was vice president. / AFP / Agnes BUN — Hunter Biden’s published memoir, “Beautiful Things, A Memoir” is seen in a bookstore on its release day on April 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. In an interview with the BBC on Tuesday — marking the release of his new memoir, “Beautiful Things” — Hunter Biden confirmed Republican allegations that his father benefited from his family name when he was vice president. / AFP / Agnes BUN
(Photo: AGNES BUN)

US First Lady Jill Biden participates in a listening session with students at Hunter’s Point Board School in St. Petersburg. Michaels, Arizona, on April 23, 2021. / AFP / POOL / MANDEL NGAN
Photo: MANDEL NGAN
Hunter Biden’s published memoir, “Beautiful Things, A Memoir” is seen in a bookstore on its release day on April 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. In an interview with the BBC on Tuesday — marking the release of his new memoir, “Beautiful Things” — Hunter Biden confirmed Republican allegations that his father benefited from his family name when he was vice president. / AFP / Agnes BUN
Photo: AGNES BUN