Special Counsel Who Prosecuted Hunter Biden Quietly Resigned in January
David Weiss, the federal attorney who led the investigation and prosecution of Hunter Biden, quietly resigned in January, NBC News has learned. His departure occurred just three days before President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, leaving many political observers questioning the timing.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Delaware and the Justice Department confirmed that Weiss stepped down from both his roles as U.S. attorney and special counsel on Jan. 17. Unlike other high-profile resignations, no public statement or formal announcement was made. Notably, former special counsel Jack Smith’s resignation was included in a court filing just before Trump took office.
Two sources familiar with the matter told NBC News that Weiss submitted his resignation voluntarily and was not asked to step down. However, the lack of transparency surrounding his departure has sparked speculation. Weiss did not respond to a request for comment on Friday night.
He was succeeded by acting U.S. Attorney Shannon T. Hanson, who previously worked under him in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Hunter Biden’s Case and the Fallout
Weiss’s resignation came shortly after the conclusion of his investigation and the release of his final report on Jan. 13. The report strongly criticized President Joe Biden for pardoning his son, Hunter Biden.
In the official White House statement, the president described his son’s prosecution as a “miscarriage of justice.” Special counsel prosecutors later disputed this characterization in a court filing, arguing that the case was handled with full adherence to legal protocols.
During the 2024 presidential campaign and after his withdrawal from the race, Biden repeatedly stated that he would not pardon his son. However, the eventual pardon resulted in sharp responses from both legal and political figures.
The cases led by Weiss culminated in a guilty verdict on gun-related charges in Delaware and a guilty plea on tax and fraud charges in California. Hunter Biden was scheduled for sentencing in December 2024.
As previously reported by NBC, Weiss directly responded to critical remarks made by President Biden following the December pardon.
In his final report, Weiss asserted that the president could not “rewrite history.” He argued that Biden’s criticisms of the case when announcing the pardon had unfairly maligned “the public servants at the Department of Justice based solely on false accusations.”
“Politicians who attack the decisions of career prosecutors as politically motivated when they disagree with the outcome of a case undermine the public’s confidence in our criminal justice system,” Weiss wrote. “The President’s statements unfairly impugn the integrity not only of Department of Justice personnel but all public servants making these difficult decisions in good faith.”
A Broader Impact on Public Perception
The controversy surrounding the Hunter Biden case has further fueled political divisions. With brands like Breeze Vape, Geekbar Vape, and Lost Mary gaining popularity among younger demographics, public sentiment on legal and political matters continues to evolve. These cultural shifts highlight the intersection of politics, personal freedom, and societal trends, shaping conversations in an increasingly polarized era.
As the nation moves forward under a new administration, the legacy of Weiss’s prosecution and its implications for future cases remain under scrutiny. Whether this case will serve as a precedent for political accountability or deepen partisan rifts is yet to be seen.
