In a rather dramatic turn of events, a plea deal involving Hunter Biden and his failure to pay taxes fell apart after a disagreement emerged over a separate gun charge.

The high-profile hearing took place in Wilmington, Del., where Biden maintained his plea of not guilty.

Lawyers representing both sides engaged in prolonged discussions, with the possibility of reaching a new agreement still uncertain.

During an extended break, attorneys huddled to determine whether a delay until early September would be necessary.

U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, inquired about the terms of the initial deal, which had been negotiated with U.S. Attorney David Weiss of Delaware, another Trump appointee retained by President Joe Biden to oversee the case.

Questions arose regarding the gun charge’s connection to the plea deal.

Judge Noreika sought clarification on whether more serious charges could still be brought against Biden, to which both the prosecutors and Hunter Biden’s lawyer asserted that there were no additional charges pending.

The judge also inquired about the ongoing status of the investigation, and Weiss confirmed its continuation while refraining from disclosing further details.

The charges laid out by Weiss’s office revealed that Hunter Biden received taxable income exceeding $1,500,000 annually in the calendar years 2017 and 2018.

Despite owing over $100,000 in federal income taxes each year, he failed to pay the required amounts for both years.

The original plea deal involved prosecutors recommending probation for the tax violations, with the possibility of dropping the separate felony gun charge if Biden complied with specific conditions outlined in court.

However, during the trial, confusion surrounding the gun charge arose, leading the judge to pause the proceedings to find a resolution.

This case marks the first time the Justice Department, operating under the executive branch, has brought charges against the child of a sitting president.

Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Christopher Clark, conveyed his client’s commitment to taking responsibility for the mistakes made during a period of turmoil and addiction in his life, expressing optimism about moving forward in his recovery.

The affair has captivated the U.S. political landscape, particularly among Republicans, who argue that Hunter Biden has received preferential treatment due to his father’s position.

They contend that he should have faced charges for his involvement in other business dealings. Former President Trump, his family, and political allies have continually made allegations about Hunter Biden’s actions, contributing to a relentless stream of political commentary.

Conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt, writing in The Washington Post, criticized the plea deal, asserting that it lacks appropriate penalties, which echoes the sentiments of many Republicans who view it as a mere slap on the wrist.

Republicans have further questioned the investigation and even threatened to impeach Attorney General Merrick Garland over their concerns about how the Justice Department handled the case.

The ire stems from two IRS whistleblowers who testified before Congress, alleging interference in favor of the president’s son at various stages of the investigation.

U.S. Attorney David Weiss, seeking to address these allegations, offered to testify publicly before Congress in a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio.

Weiss disputed Jordan’s claims and emphasized his ultimate authority in deciding whether, when, and where to file charges.

The FBI also shared a memo with Republican oversight leaders in the House and the Senate, which included unverified claims about Hunter Biden’s involvement with a Ukrainian energy company during his father’s vice presidency.

These allegations formed part of a Justice Department review initiated by Trump’s then-Attorney General William Barr in 2020, but the probe was later closed.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed the uncorroborated allegations during a briefing, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed the allegations, which Republicans have raised regularly during the Biden administration, at a briefing Monday.

“I’ve been asked this question a million times,” she said. “The answer remains the same: The president was never in business with his son.”

Really.

As the saga continues, the nation remains captivated by the unfolding legal developments and their potential political implications.

The fate of Hunter Biden’s case now remains uncertain, with legal proceedings likely to draw significant attention and scrutiny in the coming days and weeks.

We’ll see how this plays out, but it may end up as another case of “rules for thee but not for me”.

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NBC News