Can Trump Restart the Investigation Against Hunter Biden and Have the DOJ Take Action?

With Joe Biden comfortably in the White House, many are questioning whether Donald Trump can reignite the investigation into Hunter Biden and involve the Department of Justice (DOJ) again.

Legal Constraints and 'Double Jeopardy' Rules

Mr. Trump will likely need to find another 'crime' to accuse Mr. Biden of, lest the doctrine of 'double jeopardy' bars him from pursuing the case any further. According to legal principles, a person cannot be tried twice for the same offense.

Primary Concerns and Political Considerations

It's important to recognize that Trump has numerous other pressing issues to address. His time is better spent on other matters rather than focusing on Hunter Biden. The alleged wrongs against his father, Joe Biden, are the ones he should primarily target if he wishes to achieve political success.

President's Authority and Pardons

The question of whether Trump can bring charges against Hunter Biden is similar to the concept of a presidential pardon. A pardon means that the president can forgive a criminal offense and absolve someone of the legal consequences, thereby protecting them from prosecution. The DOJ has not brought substantial charges, and pardoning would essentially close the case. However, it's notable that pardons are typically granted close to the end of a presidency, and they usually go uncontested.

Political Motivations and Previous Charges

The charges against Hunter Biden were likely a political move rather than a genuine interest in justice. They were announced about a month and a half before Trump was set to take office, in an attempt to undermine his potential cabinet picks. There's plenty of time to stir the pot and create controversy, which is a well-known political strategy.

Evidence and Dwindling Cases

For any charges to be brought against Hunter Biden, there would need to be credible evidence. The investigation has been ongoing since 2016, but no substantial evidence has emerged. This suggests that the case was more about politics than about genuine legal concerns. Donald Trump's alleged attempts to sway the investigation are at best described as another attempt to stoke political tensions.

Federal Investigation and Trump's Role

It's worth noting that Hunter Biden has been under federal scrutiny since 2018, but as of now, very little has come to light. The responsibility for initiating and conducting federal investigations lies with the Justice Department, not with the President. Trump lacks the authority to launch a new investigation on his own.

Ultimately, the political calculus surrounding the case highlights the complex interplay between legal principles, political ambitions, and media narratives. As the Biden administration settles in, the likelihood of a renewed investigation into Hunter Biden seems remote.