While his father was vice president, Hunter Biden, his first son, reportedly solicited the State Department for assistance in winning a foreign energy transaction in Italy on behalf of the Ukrainian gas business Burisma.
Biden had at least one letter to the American ambassador in Italy, according to documents obtained by the New York Times, pleading for assistance in negotiating an energy agreement for Busima in Tuscany. Regarding the request for assistance on behalf of the then-vice president’s son, the Commerce Department official at the U.S. Embassy in Rome seemed uncomfortable about it.
Reportedly, the officer in charge of replying responded, “I want to be careful about promising too much.”
They went on, “This is a Ukrainian firm, and [the U.S. government] should not be actively arguing with the Italian government without the company coming via the [Department of Commerce] Advocacy Center, just for our own protection.”
To verify the story, the Washington Examiner contacted the State Department.
Abbe Lowell, Biden’s attorney, downplayed the request, telling the outlet that Biden has made similar requests to other people and that it was not unlawful in any way.
“There was only ever a request for an introduction in Italy; no meeting took place, no proposal materialized,” Lowell claimed.
The State Department did not make public the precise content of Biden’s letter.
The publication pointed out the State Department’s clumsy reaction to the FOIA request, disclosing the needed records only after a three-year legal battle.
The president has stood by his son despite Biden’s antics and criminal accusations, which have become a thorn in his side and even led to an impeachment investigation.
