The Hill, a website specializing in congressional and White House affairs, published a story about President Joe Biden's family, which it described as surprising, which did not come from the "White House" nor from "an unnamed official."
In a report, the site described this story as a "bomb" revealed by Republican House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer on March 16.
The site credits the Comer report that members of the Biden family and their companies received, over the years, more than $1.3 million in payments from accounts linked to their partner Rob Walker.
Most of that money was revealed through a letter from a Chinese energy company that was addressed not only at Hunter and James Biden, but also at Haley Biden and "Biden-unknown." It is unclear what services were provided in exchange for such exorbitant sums.
Anonymous services vs. payments
The president's son, Hunter Biden, is already under federal investigation over his financial dealings, but that story is new.
What services did Hunter Biden provide to a Chinese energy company that would allow him to receive more than $500,2017 between March and May 360? And what services did James, the president's brother, provide to secure $<>,<> in the same period?
What raises the question here is the services provided by Haley Biden, the president's daughter-in-law and guidance adviser at private schools, which entitles her to $25,<> during the same period as well.
Finally, the site says, there was $80,10 that only bank records show was destined for "Biden-unknown," noting that Tony Popolinsky, Hunter Biden's former business partner, claimed that <>% of profits in the past went to the "big man," and that Joe Biden was that man, although Rep. Comer did not link him to these newly discovered payments.
Full blackout
When President Biden was finally asked about these payments, he said they never happened, and reporters didn't ask any follow-up questions and didn't point out that House Republicans say they have bank records that seem to suggest a different story.
When asked about alleged Chinese payments to the Biden family, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to answer, hinting to a White House reporter that the accusations were a "lie."
The Hill was surprised by the complete blackout that major channels and newspapers are hitting on this story at a time when all the media are chasing the possible indictment against former President Donald Trump.
The "Biden-China" story is important for several reasons, not least because China is increasingly seen by Republicans and Democrats alike as America's number one competitor in terms of national security, human rights, trade, economy or technology. On some of these issues, President Biden has not appeared as harsh as he should.