Democrats’ response to Republican claims that Hunter Biden got a “sweetheart deal” has been to note that then-President Donald Trump appointed U.S. Attorney David Weiss – the prosecutor who allowed Biden to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax charges and enter a pretrial diversion program on a gun charge.
It’s true that Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons, both Democrats, played a part in selecting Weiss, because of a longstanding Senate policy that allows home-state senators to sign off on presidential appointments of U.S. attorneys.
It is typical for new presidents to replace U.S. attorneys appointed by their predecessor.
According to the Associated Press, Carper and Coons in November 2017 “recommended Weiss to the White House for the job.” Carper at the time released a statement calling Weiss “an excellent choice for U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware,” noting Weiss’ 16 years in the office.
It’s true that Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons, both Democrats, played a part in selecting Weiss, because of a longstanding Senate policy that allows home-state senators to sign off on presidential appointments of U.S. attorneys.
It is typical for new presidents to replace U.S. attorneys appointed by their predecessor.
According to the Associated Press, Carper and Coons in November 2017 “recommended Weiss to the White House for the job.” Carper at the time released a statement calling Weiss “an excellent choice for U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware,” noting Weiss’ 16 years in the office.