In a historic move preceding the 2024 election, Speaker Kevin McCarthy declared that he was directing the U.S. House to initiate an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. McCarthy cited ongoing House investigations that have revealed what he describes as a "culture of corruption" surrounding the Biden family.

These investigations, led by Republicans, focus on the business dealings of President Biden's son, Hunter Biden, that occurred prior to the Democratic president taking office.

“These are allegations of abuse of power, obstruction and corruption, and they warrant further investigation by the House of Representatives,” McCarthy, R-Calif., said at the Capitol, announcing he was directing the House led by the Oversight Committee “to open a formal impeachment inquiry.”

In response, the White House criticized the move during the presidential campaign, labeling it as "extreme politics at its worst."

“House Republicans have been investigating the president for nine months, and they’ve turned up no evidence of wrongdoing,” said spokesman Ian Sams.

Facing growing pressure from his own party's conservative wing, Republican Speaker McCarthy is taking unilateral action to address President Biden's actions or risk losing his leadership role. Simultaneously, he is grappling with the challenge of passing crucial legislation to prevent a federal government shutdown by the end of the month.

McCarthy's decision to initiate the inquiry does not involve a formal House vote, and it remains uncertain whether he can secure adequate support from his narrow GOP majority. Some lawmakers have criticized the available evidence, suggesting that it falls short of meeting the constitutional threshold of "high crimes and misdemeanors."

McCarthy's impeachment inquiry into President Biden faces criticism for his change in position. It aims to divert attention from Trump's legal issues as he emerges as the leading Republican candidate against Biden.

The inquiry will be led by James Comer, Jim Jordan, and Jason Smith, with a Senate briefing scheduled.

While McConnell warned against it, he acknowledged McCarthy's independence. House Democrats call it an "illegitimate impeachment inquiry" and vow to support Biden.

“There is not a shred of evidence that President Joe Biden has engaged in wrongdoing,” Jeffries said. “President Joe Biden is a good man. He’s an honest man. He’s a patriotic man.”

McCarthy, the Republican speaker, is in a tough spot, balancing conservative demands and his leadership. He's dealing with the impeachment inquiry and a potential government shutdown.

Government funding ends on September 30 and Congress must pass new bills to avoid a shutdown and service interruptions.

Shortly after McCarthy's statement, prominent Republican critic Rep. Matt Gaetz dismissed the inquiry as a "baby step" and renewed the threat of removing the speaker, urging a swifter pace.

White House asserts Biden's non-involvement in son's business. Democrats are actively defending him against what they see as baseless allegations ahead of the 2024 election, while Republicans aim to draw parallels with Trump.

Also, the House of Republicans is investigating Hunter Biden's business dealings but so far they have not found any concrete evidence. A special prosecutor has been appointed in that investigation.

Republicans argue that the Justice Department hasn't thoroughly investigated Hunter Biden, alleging preferential treatment in a collapsed plea deal.

Image source: AP News