Summary of Episode: Hunter Indicted! DOJ Covers Up for Joe Biden & FBI Stonewalls Congress The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Release Date: December 8, 2023
Introduction
In this episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, host Ben Ferguson delves into two high-profile stories: the indictment of Hunter Biden on tax-related charges and the contentious interaction between Senator Ted Cruz and FBI Director Christopher Wray. The discussion centers on allegations of a Department of Justice (DOJ) cover-up favoring President Joe Biden and the FBI's obstruction of congressional investigations.
Hunter Biden's Indictment
Overview of Charges
The episode opens with the shocking news that Hunter Biden has been indicted on nine tax-related charges, three of which are felonies. Senator Ted Cruz provides a detailed breakdown of the 56-page indictment filed in federal court in Los Angeles.
- Failure to File and Pay Taxes: Hunter Biden is accused of not filing and paying over $1.4 million in taxes from 2016 to 2019.
- Tax Evasion and Fraudulent Returns: The indictment alleges that Biden engaged in a four-year scheme to evade taxes by filing false business deductions and subverting payroll processes to avoid substantial tax liabilities.
- Extravagant Spending: Prosecutors claim that Biden spent millions on an extravagant lifestyle, including drugs, escorts, luxury hotels, exotic cars, and other personal expenses instead of paying his tax bills.
Notable Quotes:
- Senator Ted Cruz [01:09]: "Hunter Biden engaged in a four year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in taxes that he owed from 2016 to 2019."
- Senator Ted Cruz [06:08]: "$200,000 and $922 in ATM withdrawals in 2016."
Financial Misconduct Analysis
Cruz and Ferguson analyze Hunter Biden's financial activities, highlighting massive ATM withdrawals and payments to various women and for adult entertainment. Cruz emphasizes the improbability of such high cash withdrawals by an average individual, suggesting potential money laundering or illegal activities.
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ATM Withdrawals:
- 2016: $200,922
- 2017: $503,614
- 2018: $772,548
- 2019: $186,920
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Payments to Various Women:
- 2016: $4,400
- 2017: $138,837
- 2018: $383,548
- 2019: $156,427
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Adult Entertainment:
- 2016: $4,411
- 2017: $156,846
- 2018: $27,373
Notable Quotes:
- Senator Ted Cruz [07:15]: "I have never had a year in my life that I pulled 200 grand out of an ATM."
- Senator Ted Cruz [11:42]: "This is what burning through cash sounds like."
DOJ and FBI Allegations of Cover-Up
Allegations Against the DOJ
Cruz accuses the DOJ of attempting to secure a "sweetheart plea deal" for Hunter Biden, which collapsed due to public scrutiny and whistleblower revelations. He argues that the DOJ's actions were aimed at protecting Joe Biden from any potential fallout.
Interaction with FBI Director Christopher Wray
A significant portion of the episode covers Cruz's recent questioning of FBI Director Christopher Wray before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Cruz accuses Wray and the DOJ of politicizing investigations to shield President Biden and his family.
- Blocked Investigations: Cruz cites testimony from IRS whistleblowers claiming that the DOJ obstructed investigations into Joe Biden, including blocking access to GPS data that could link Joe Biden directly to Hunter's corrupt activities.
- Text Message Evidence: A key piece of evidence discussed is a WhatsApp text from Hunter Biden threatening retaliation if demands for bribes are not met, implying Joe Biden's involvement.
Notable Quotes:
- Senator Ted Cruz [16:10]: "The words that are missing from this indictment are Joseph Robinette Biden Jr."
- Senator Ted Cruz [31:13]: "My instructions to our people on this and on every other investigation are that we are to follow the evidence wherever it leads."
- Senator Ted Cruz [32:44]: "I think this FBI is the most political FBI we've ever seen. I think they're covering up for Joe Biden with all of their might."
FBI's Defensive Stance
During the exchange, FBI Director Wray maintains that investigations are ongoing and refrains from addressing specific allegations, adhering to longstanding policies of non-disclosure about active investigations. Cruz criticizes this stance as evasive and indicative of systemic cover-ups.
Implications for Congressional Oversight
Hunter Biden's Deposition
Cruz discusses the upcoming deposition for Hunter Biden scheduled for December 13, highlighting the tension between the DOJ and Congress. He expresses skepticism about the DOJ's willingness to enforce contempt of Congress if Hunter Biden fails to comply.
- Contempt of Congress: Cruz references past instances where the DOJ did not act on contempt citations, casting doubt on the effectiveness of Congressional oversight.
Notable Quotes:
- Senator Ted Cruz [40:38]: "I put the odds at about 50-50 on that... I do not expect him to be forthcoming."
- Senator Ted Cruz [41:59]: "Why did nothing happen? Because to enforce the contempt finding, DOJ has to bring it."
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Cruz expressing deep distrust in the DOJ and FBI's integrity, asserting that these institutions have been politicized to protect the Biden family. He underscores the need for accountability and transparency to preserve the rule of law and the FBI's reputation.
Notable Quotes:
- Senator Ted Cruz [36:01]: "This is designed to be a defense of Joe Biden, to insulate him."
- Senator Ted Cruz [38:55]: "It is profoundly harmful to the rule of law and the integrity of the FBI to have the leadership of the FBI refuse to provide even the barest minimum of transparency or accountability."
Key Takeaways
- Hunter Biden's Indictment: Charged with significant tax-related crimes, raising questions about financial misconduct and potential connections to his father's political influence.
- DOJ and FBI's Role: Allegations of systemic cover-ups and politicization aimed at protecting Joe Biden underscore concerns about the integrity of federal investigations.
- Congressional Challenges: The upcoming deposition of Hunter Biden highlights the ongoing struggle between legislative oversight and executive branch protections.
Disclaimer: This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to neutrally present the discussions from the podcast episode. It does not endorse or refute the views expressed by the speakers.