Hunter Biden’s art dealer says his work is ‘important.’ Why the paintings factor into GOP probes.
House Republicans have been drawn to Hunter Biden’s paintings, but not because of the art.
After initial list prices of $500,000.00, the House Oversight and Accountability Committee would like to know who purchased the art and what they paid. The chairman called the figures “exorbitant”, referring to a novice artist, and asked if it was influence peddling about federal policy.
The White House made it possible for the dealer, without President Joe Biden and his son, to set prices. Georges Berges was the New York gallery owner and organized sales. He defended Hunter Biden, and said he would be “one the most important artists of this century.”
As part of a wide-ranging inquiry into Hunter Biden’s business dealings, and bank records, Republicans are looking into Hunter Biden’s art sales. Rep. James Comer (Oversight chairman) questioned Hunter Biden’s ability to sell influence to foreign adversaries through high-value art. His work was initially priced at $500,000, but now prices range from $55,000 to $225,000 per piece.
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The committee requested documents that showed communications with the White House regarding the art, the prices for the art and who attended Hunter Biden’s art shows.
Committee asks Hunter Biden to answer questions about his art dealer
“The Committee on Oversight and Accountability” is investigating President Joe Biden and the family’s domestic and foreign influence peddling schemes,” Comer (R-Ky.) wrote to Berges requesting a transcription of his interview by February 15. “Despite Hunter Biden being a novice artist and receiving exorbitant amounts for selling his artwork, the identities of the buyers remain unknown and you appear the sole record keeper of these lucrative transactions.”
USA TODAY was informed by Berges that he could not comment on the request of the committee. He said that he tried to protect the privacy of collectors and artists’ identities, but he could not comment on the request.
Berges stated, “I am aware that there is a lot politics involved at this moment which is a shame since his work is not just good but important.” “Hunter Biden will be a major artist in the 21st century, because the world is more dependent on his art than ever.”
Berges stated that he started working with Hunter Biden in the early days of his father’s run for president. Berges expressed appreciation for Hunter Biden’s art, which reflects perseverance and rising from a fall, despite having struggled with drug addiction.
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White House policy disengages President from his son’s art career
After questions about the art sales, the White House announced that Joe Biden and Hunter Biden would not know who bought the son’s artwork. All sales would be done through the gallery.
Jen Psaki, Jen’s press secretary at the time, stated that “We believe that this is a reasonable and established system that allows Hunter Biden to practice his profession within appropriate safeguards.”
House Republicans disagree.
Comer wrote to Berges, “It is concerning President Biden’s Son is the Recipient of Anonymous, High-Dollar Transactions – possibly from foreign buyers – with no accountability or oversight (otherthan you).”
These arrangements raised ethical concerns for government watchdogs. Walter Shaub was the ex-head of the Office of Government Ethics under the Obama administration. He said that the prices “surely looks like profiting from the presidency.” Shaub also said that a similar deal could influence a future president.
After the White House had announced how sales would proceed, Shaub said to CNN that “this would be ideal for funneling bribes towards that president.”
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