Hunter Biden pled “not guilty” to charges of tax crimes in 2017 and 2018 after a judge rejected a plea deal due to concerns over its constitutionality. The deal is currently pending revisions.  

During the hearing, Biden confirmed that he knew that he owed taxes. He had agreed last month that he would plead guilty to charges of tax fraud in 2017 and 2018 and an illegal gun purchase. (READ MORE: Hunter Biden Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud, Gun Charges)

Biden’s lawyers originally believed the plea deal would grant him immunity from future prosecution regarding other crimes. The DOJ, however, said that it may prosecute Biden for illegal foreign lobbying, foiling the original plea deal.

Biden could be charged for his failure to properly register as a foreign lobbyist under the Foreign Agents Registration Act while he sat on the board of Burisma, an energy company in Ukraine. When the judge questioned Biden on his involvement in foreign companies, Biden acknowledged his involvement with Burisma in Ukraine and CEFC Energy in China. 

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said the court’s refusal to accept the plea deal reveals that “the court has serious concerns about other potential charges.”

Biden will likely not be immune to future prosecution for other crimes. “He should be treated like any other person under the law,” Hawley said.

Emma Verrigni is a rising sophomore at Hillsdale College studying history and journalism. A member of The American Spectator’s 2023 intern class, Emma enjoys reading philosophy and the news.

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