The Gist – Episode: “The Brand Is the Business: Devon Archer on Biden, Burisma, and Being the Fall Guy” Release Date: April 8, 2025 | Host: Mike Pesca | Produced by Peach Fish Productions

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Gist, host Mike Pesca engages in a deep-dive conversation with Devon Archer, an international businessman intricately connected to Hunter Biden and the controversial Ukrainian natural gas firm, Burisma. Archer provides firsthand insights into the intertwining of business dealings, political influence, and personal turmoil that have plagued his career and relationship with the Biden family.

Background: Burisma and the Biden Connection

Devon Archer elucidates the genesis of his and Hunter Biden's involvement with Burisma, highlighting the complexities of operating within a notoriously corrupt Ukrainian business environment.

• [06:25] Devon Archer: "There are very few uncorrupt companies in Ukraine."

Archer explains how both he and Hunter joined Burisma’s board in 2014-2015, a period marked by intense scrutiny as Joe Biden, then Vice President, spearheaded anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine.

Joe Biden’s Role and the Firing of Viktor Shokin

A central theme of the episode revolves around Joe Biden's actions in Ukraine, specifically the dismissal of Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin, whom many international observers deemed corrupt.

• [11:10] Mike Pesca: "The administration problem isn't this particular action. The problem is that Hunter Biden is doing business in this intrinsically corrupt environment."

Archer contends that Shokin's firing was not merely a move against corruption but potentially served to protect Burisma—and by extension, the Biden family's interests.

• [15:03] Devon Archer: "Shokin was a problem, and I think that he was fired because he was in the way of Burisma's success."

He further suggests that Burisma officials downplayed the significance of Shokin's removal to manipulate public perception.

Hunter Biden’s Business Ventures and the “Biden Brand”

Archer delves into the strategic use of the Biden name to bolster Burisma’s international image, asserting that Hunter was instrumental in leveraging his father's political stature.

• [24:37] Devon Archer: "Hunter was selling the Biden brand. We had an apparatus of a fund and a business that made money... Hunter's role was to sell the Biden brand."

The conversation highlights how Hunter's presence on Burisma's board was a calculated move to attract business and investment, intertwining personal relationships with corporate strategy.

Legal Challenges and Becoming the Fall Guy

Devon Archer discusses his own legal battles, portraying himself as an unintended casualty in the larger political maneuverings surrounding Burisma and the Biden family.

• [34:16] Devon Archer: "It's about it. The only nuance is that the jury decision came and then the judge filed the Rule 33."

Archer explains how he became the target of legal action intended to distract from or undermine Hunter Biden’s dealings, emphasizing the personal and professional costs he has endured.

The Influence of Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Besant

The episode also touches on the role of Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Besant, and their interactions with former President Trump, painting a picture of a tumultuous political landscape affecting business negotiations.

• [03:22] Howard Lutnick: "This stuff has got to stop. America's got to stop being exploited..."

Archer suggests that Lutnick’s aggressive stance may inadvertently embarrass Trump, intensifying political pressure and uncertainty within the administration.

Addiction and Its Impact on Business Decisions

A poignant moment in the interview addresses the personal struggles within the Biden family, specifically Hunter Biden’s addiction, and how it has influenced business decisions and relationships.

• [43:04] Devon Archer: "Addiction certainly added fuel nitrous to the fire pit."

Archer reflects on how Hunter's addiction led to reckless decisions, adversely affecting business ventures and complicating the family's political narrative.

Presidential Pardon and Future Prospects

As the conversation nears its conclusion, Archer discusses his recent pardon by former President Donald Trump, outlining the arduous process and ongoing legal challenges he faces.

• [40:26] Devon Archer: "It's been an absolute colossal, you know, train wreck in regards to... my life."

He underscores the complexities of securing a pardon, highlighting the necessity of strategic storytelling and influential advocacy to navigate the legal system.

Conclusion: Navigating Corruption and Personal Turmoil

Mike Pesca and Devon Archer wrap up the episode by contemplating the broader implications of intertwined political power and business corruption. Archer emphasizes the irrevocable damage to his life and career, expressing regret over his involvement and the pervasive influence of political dynamics on personal and professional realms.

• [42:22] Devon Archer: "It's the single biggest regret in my life ever going into business."

Archer’s narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of entangling personal relationships with high-stakes international business and politics.

Notable Quotes

• Devon Archer [06:30]: "We need to handle this. This is just noise."
• Howard Lutnick [03:22]: "America's got to stop being exploited and you're going to see America prosper."
• Devon Archer [24:37]: "Hunter was selling the Biden brand."
• Devon Archer [34:16]: "I'm cooperating on other cases and I have another hearing that we scheduled."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Gist offers an intricate exploration of Devon Archer’s tumultuous experiences at the intersection of business and politics. Through detailed accounts and candid revelations, Archer paints a vivid picture of the complexities and ethical quandaries that arise when personal relationships influence high-level international business dealings. For listeners seeking an in-depth understanding of the interplay between the Biden family and Burisma, this episode provides valuable insights grounded in personal testimony and critical analysis.