Byron Donalds says Hunter Biden wanted open hearing 'to put on a spectacle' but Internet calls it a 'House Republican specialty'

WASHINGTON, DC: In a recent statement, Rep Byron Donalds (R-Fla) expressed skepticism over Hunter Biden's call for an open congressional hearing regarding the House GOP's ongoing investigation into his business dealings, suggesting it's a move to "put on a spectacle."

Donalds, who serves on the House Oversight Committee involved in the inquiry, emphasized the importance of Hunter Biden undergoing a closed-door deposition before a public session.

"What Hunter Biden wants to do is to use the open hearing aspects of congressional hearings to put on a show, to put on a spectacle, without actually having a deposition of his words under oath before he reaches an open session," Donalds remarked on Fox News's 'Sunday Morning Futures.' “So we’re not going to let that happen. He needs to sit for the closed-door deposition first.” 

House GOP's probe into Hunter Biden

The House GOP's investigation into President Biden's son has been ongoing for months, with the House Oversight Committee demanding Hunter Biden's testimony in a closed session on December 13.

However, the younger Biden insisted on providing testimony only in a public setting, exposing tensions within the GOP's strategy.

"Every witness we bring to Capitol Hill has to do the same thing. He is no different," Donalds affirmed, highlighting the need for a closed-door deposition first.

This stance initially faced criticism, particularly from House Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky), who initially suggested they would prioritize an open hearing if Hunter Biden expressed interest.

Comer's position, however, seemed to waver when he swiftly blasted Hunter Biden's request for an open hearing, contradicting earlier statements that the committee would "drop everything" for the president's son to testify "in front of the committee."

Despite Hunter Biden's recent indictment on three felony tax charges and six misdemeanor charges, Donalds maintained the importance of proceeding with the closed-door session.

He argued that the indictment should not hinder the House's ability to obtain written testimony under oath before moving to an open hearing, per The Hill.

"So the fact that he’s now been indicted should not encumber our ability in the House to be able to have, number one, a closed-door session first, to have written testimony under oath, and then for him to be able to move towards an open hearing," Donalds insisted.

Internet reacts to Rep Byron Donalds comments on Hunter Biden

However, many on social media sided with Hunter Biden in his request for an open hearing.

"Putting on spectacles is a House Republican specialty," one posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"More likely, he doesn't want them to distort what he actually says," another wrote.

"You’d think that Republicans would be thrilled at the prospect of a live hearing, you know, since they have so much 'evidence.' Swear him in and televise it," someone else added.

"When airing out the truth no matter what it is, openness, and transparency are 'a spectacle,'" another chimed in.

The House Oversight Committee informed Hunter Biden's attorney, Abbe Lowell, of contempt of Congress proceedings if he fails to comply with the subpoena for a deposition on December 13.

Lowell defended Hunter Biden's choice to testify only in an open hearing, claiming it would "ensure transparency" because "the Committee has demonstrated time and again it uses closed-door sessions to manipulate, even distort, the facts and misinform the American public." 

As part of its brief response to Lowell, the committee pointed out that Hunter Biden did not have a "choice" in appearing for the deposition.

Impeachment inquiry looms over Joe Biden

With pressure mounting on Hunter Biden to comply, the GOP-led House is gearing up for a vote on formalizing its impeachment inquiry into President Biden.

House Oversight Chairman James Comer argued that a formal inquiry strengthens their legal position against those refusing subpoenas.

The investigation into Hunter Biden's international business dealings, central to both congressional and federal inquiries, aims to link President Biden to potential enrichment through foreign dealings.

However, Republicans have yet to produce evidence supporting allegations of bribery or wrongdoing by the president, CBS News reported.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.