As Donald Trump secures his victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, attention has turned to how his administration might influence ongoing investigations into President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden. These probes—spanning accusations of corruption, improper financial dealings, and alleged influence-peddling—have been a focal point in American political discourse for years. Trump’s return to office promises to shape the trajectory of these investigations and could impact the political landscape in significant ways.
In recent years, Joe and Hunter Biden have faced a series of inquiries at both federal and congressional levels. These investigations have largely centered on Hunter Biden’s business activities, particularly his work with foreign companies, and allegations that his father, as Vice President and later as President, may have been aware of or involved in these dealings. Federal agencies, including the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the IRS, have examined Hunter Biden’s tax records and foreign transactions, while Republicans in Congress have conducted their own inquiries, arguing that Hunter’s activities posed a national security risk or amounted to a conflict of interest.
The investigations into Joe Biden have been largely peripheral, with probes primarily focused on Hunter’s financial activities. However, in the months leading up to the election, certain GOP-led committees widened their scope to include the president, examining whether he played any role in his son’s business dealings. No conclusive evidence has yet been presented implicating Joe Biden directly, but the allegations have fueled partisan debate and amplified public scrutiny.
Throughout the 2024 campaign, Donald Trump pledged to continue and even escalate investigations into Joe and Hunter Biden, framing these inquiries as essential for transparency and accountability. Trump positioned himself as the candidate willing to “drain the swamp” by exposing corruption, repeatedly asserting that the American public deserves answers regarding potential misuse of public office for personal gain.
Republican leaders, empowered by a growing majority in the House and a slim majority in the Senate, have indicated strong support for continuing these probes. Speaker of the House and other GOP lawmakers argue that the public deserves an exhaustive examination of the Biden family’s dealings, seeing it as a way to ensure accountability and deter future instances of alleged corruption by public officials or their family members. This sentiment was reinforced following the election, with several key figures stating they would actively support Trump’s intentions to press forward with investigations.
One of the most immediate questions is how Trump’s Justice Department, under a new Attorney General, might approach ongoing federal investigations. The DOJ, under President Biden, has faced scrutiny from some Republicans who claimed it was slow to investigate Hunter Biden’s business dealings. However, under Trump, the DOJ could take a more aggressive stance, potentially expanding or intensifying inquiries, especially those concerning any allegations of influence-peddling.
While the Attorney General is traditionally expected to operate independently from presidential influence, Trump’s previous presidency saw tensions over the DOJ’s autonomy, and his rhetoric this campaign has left some concerned he may directly intervene. Critics worry about the possibility of Trump pressuring the DOJ to expedite or escalate cases against the Bidens. Supporters, however, argue that the public deserves transparency and that a vigorous investigation under Trump’s leadership could be the key to achieving it.
Hunter Biden could face a renewed focus under the Trump administration, with an emphasis on any legal vulnerabilities regarding his financial dealings. Though Hunter has settled some tax issues, ongoing investigations could revisit or expand these issues, looking into further details about his foreign engagements in China, Ukraine, and other countries. Trump’s administration might also investigate whether any payments to Hunter Biden could be linked to political favors or influence from his father, even as President.
Observers expect Hunter Biden’s legal team to prepare for potential intensified scrutiny, possibly in the form of new subpoenas, depositions, and financial audits. Given that Hunter Biden’s tax filings and business transactions have already been subject to investigation, a Trump administration’s interest in these areas could indicate a protracted legal battle. Legal experts suggest Hunter may respond by challenging the motives and legitimacy of any intensified investigation, arguing they are politically driven rather than substantively warranted.
With a strengthened Republican presence in Congress, lawmakers have promised to expand investigations into the Bidens. Committees such as the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees may issue new subpoenas, summon witnesses, and demand access to additional financial records.
Congressional inquiries could complement DOJ efforts by focusing on the broader question of whether Hunter Biden’s business engagements posed any conflict of interest with U.S. foreign policy, especially during Joe Biden’s vice presidency. For example, members of Congress may revisit Hunter’s role with the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, a relationship that has fueled questions for years. Some Republicans believe that Congress should pursue the matter more aggressively, seeing it as a deterrent against any misuse of political power by family members of officeholders.
Democrats, however, argue that renewed investigations by Congress would be politically motivated and could serve as a distraction from pressing issues facing the country. They contend that the allegations against the Bidens are largely unsubstantiated, warning that pursuing these probes could set a dangerous precedent for targeting political opponents.
For Joe Biden, the incoming Trump administration’s stance may result in increased pressure to defend his family’s integrity and address any public concerns over his role in Hunter’s affairs. While direct evidence of Joe Biden’s involvement in any wrongdoing has not been substantiated, continued investigations could shape public perception, potentially affecting his legacy.
Should the investigations remain unresolved and linger throughout the Trump administration, Biden’s political allies may contend that the continued scrutiny is an attempt to weaken him and the Democratic Party. Some Democrats argue that these investigations are not genuinely about accountability but rather about undermining Biden’s reputation and serving as a prelude to potential charges against him or his family. Conversely, Republicans argue that a full investigation is essential to ensure that no conflicts of interest went unchecked.
From a legal perspective, any implications for Joe Biden hinge on whether evidence arises suggesting he directly influenced or benefited from Hunter Biden’s business ventures. Biden’s supporters argue that the lack of conclusive evidence over multiple years indicates that accusations of his involvement are baseless. However, if Trump’s DOJ uncovers new information, it could complicate Biden’s legal standing and lead to further inquiries.
Public reaction to Trump’s victory and the resulting Biden investigations is likely to be polarizing. Supporters of Trump may view intensified investigations as a victory for transparency and justice, while opponents may see them as a political tactic. Media coverage may reflect these divisions, with conservative outlets supporting the push for accountability and liberal outlets questioning the impartiality and timing of renewed probes.
Analysts suggest that the outcome of these investigations will significantly affect public trust in government institutions, particularly the DOJ and Congress. As these inquiries unfold, they are expected to be a major flashpoint, influencing both policy priorities and campaign platforms for years to come.
Donald Trump’s re-election has the potential to alter the course of investigations into Joe and Hunter Biden, fueling renewed debates over accountability, impartiality, and political power. As the DOJ, Congress, and the public grapple with these issues, the investigations may evolve into a defining aspect of Trump’s second term. Whether these inquiries lead to concrete outcomes or further inflame partisan tensions, they will shape the discourse around transparency, justice, and governance in the United States for the foreseeable future.
