Hunter Biden, son of former President Joe Biden, stated that Attorney General Merrick Garland's appointment represents the "greatest mistake" of his father's administration. The comments were made during an appearance on the "I've Had It" podcast.
During the podcast, host Jennifer Welch questioned Garland's leadership and the Justice Department's actions, including its investigation into Hunter Biden and its decision not to charge former President Donald Trump. Hunter Biden responded to Welch's remarks by stating his personal assessment of Garland's tenure.
"My take is this, and removing myself from it as much as I can, my personal feelings, is the single greatest mistake of my father's administration was the leadership of Merrick Garland," Hunter Biden said. He added that while the ultimate responsibility rests with his father, President Biden maintained a separation between his office and the Department of Justice, adhering to constitutional tradition.
Hunter Biden further criticized Garland for not prosecuting Trump, alleging a "planned conspiracy" by the Trump administration to undermine the 2020 election. He referenced the events of Jan. 6, 2021, questioning Garland's response.
"If Merrick Garland had started a completely 100% legitimate investigation rather than thinking like let's not fan the flames… did you not watch what I watched? Did you not see the people storming the Capitol of the United States of America, beating cops and running congressmen and senators literally out of the building? You didn't see that? You didn't see a president and know that it was a concerted and planned effort on their part beginning all the way back from the day before the election when they knew they were going," Hunter Biden stated.
Both Welch and Hunter Biden characterized Garland as a "moderate" figure, suggesting his selection by President Biden was intended to appeal to Republicans or as a favor following his previous nomination to the Supreme Court by former President Barack Obama.
"Obama picks this milquetoast candidate. Your dad is a decent man, felt bad about what happened to Merrick Garland. And he played integrity politics. Like, well, 'I'm going to make him whole and make him attorney general.' And then Merrick Garland gets there, and he's like, 'Well, we can't upset these crusty White Republicans,'" Welch said, a sentiment Hunter Biden echoed as a "massive mistake."
The Justice Department under Garland investigated Hunter Biden for tax offenses and an unlawful firearm purchase. He was later pardoned by his father for offenses committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024, during the final weeks of his presidency.