Hunter Biden’s Attempt to Secure Italian Business Meeting for Burisma Raises Questions
Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, made an attempt to enlist the support of the U.S. Ambassador to Italy in 2016 to arrange a business meeting on behalf of Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy firm where he served as a board member, for a prospective energy deal, according to a statement from his attorney.
Alleged Request for Introduction
The New York Times first reported the overture, which occurred during Joe Biden’s time as vice president. In a statement to ABC News, Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, characterized the letter as a “normal and proper practice,” seeking a “simple introduction” to facilitate a meeting between Burisma’s Geothermal company and the President of Tuscany, where such projects were being considered.
Internal Government Emails Express Caution
Internal government emails obtained by the Times show that a Commerce Department official based in Rome expressed unease about official U.S. cooperation. The official advised caution, suggesting that the U.S. government should not actively advocate for a Ukrainian company with the Italian government without the company going through the proper channels.
History of Hunter Biden’s Business Dealings
Hunter Biden’s role at Burisma and his business dealings have been the subject of recent scrutiny and allegations. He sat on the board of Burisma for nearly five years, earning more than $2 million during that time.
Last week, prosecutors alleged in court filings that Hunter Biden accepted payments from a Romanian businessman who sought his influence with U.S. government agencies while his father was vice president. Hunter Biden’s attorneys have criticized these allegations, calling them “baseless and false.”
Hunter Biden’s Response to Burisma Role
In an interview with ABC News in October 2019, Hunter Biden addressed his role at Burisma. He acknowledged that his last name likely influenced his appointment to the board but insisted that he “did nothing wrong at all” in accepting overseas work while his father was vice president.
Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Investigations
The latest revelation raises questions about whether Hunter Biden’s position and family connections influenced his business dealings. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment, and the matter remains under investigation.
