Hunter Biden makes a defiant appearance – OUTSIDE -- House Oversight Committee

Hunter Biden arrived at the U.S. Capitol in a black Chevy Suburban on Wednesday morning. Surrounded by a throng of reporters, Hunter stood before a microphone near the Senate steps, apparently now ready to address the many accusations that have plagued him, his father, and entire family for years.

Dozens of journalists hurriedly made their way to the Capitol steps, leaving behind a House hearing that Hunter had no intention of attending. With Secret Service protection in tow, the president's son began addressing the ongoing scrutiny from House Republicans, not inside the House chamber but outside, in front of only cameras and a handful of reporters.

Hunter Biden expressed his frustration with the tactics employed by Republicans, pointing out that during committee hearings, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene had displayed naked photos of him. "They have taken the light of my dad's love for me and presented it as darkness," Hunter declared. "They have no shame."

While reiterating his willingness to answer questions, Hunter emphasized that it must be in a public session.

However, he ignored the barrage of questions from reporters after delivering his statement. "I am here to testify at a public hearing, today, to answer any of the committees' legitimate questions," he asserted. "Republicans do not want an open process where Americans can see their tactics, expose their baseless inquiry, or hear what I have to say. What are they afraid of? I'm here. I'm ready."

Hunter Biden acknowledged the relentless attacks he has endured over the past six years, with the Trump administration leading the charge. "For six years, I have been the target of the unrelenting Trump attack machine, shouting, 'Where's Hunter?'" he said defiantly. "Well, here's my answer: I am here."

Hunter Biden candidly admitted to his past mistakes and wasted opportunities, taking responsibility for his actions. "For that, I am making amends," he said. He also sought to differentiate between the wrongs he acknowledges and those he is falsely accused of committing.

Several times he referenced his battles with drug and alcohol addiction, saying that it may have clouded his judgment at times but that those struggles should not be used against him, and certainly not against his father.

The decision to speak outside the Capitol instead of in a closed-door deposition, as demanded by House Republicans, was a deliberate act of defiance. Hunter's legal team argued that a private session would only provide an opportunity for selective leaks of his comments. Instead, they proposed a public testimony, an offer rejected by Republican leaders.

Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), chair of the House Oversight Committee, made it clear that Hunter Biden does not have the authority to dictate the terms of the subpoena. Republicans are now considering pursuing a contempt of Congress charge against him.

While it remains unclear how much coordination took place between Hunter Biden and the White House prior to his appearance, it is known that he informed his father in a general sense of what he planned to say. However, the White House had not reviewed or seen his remarks beforehand.

Hunter Biden's struggles, both legally and politically, have created a distance between him and many of President Biden's advisers. Although they speak on a near-daily basis, Hunter has not played a prominent role as a political adviser to his father, as he once did. In recent months, however, he has emerged more publicly, demonstrating a willingness to confront his Republican opponents head-on.

Wednesday's event was executed with a touch of showmanship and surprise, aiming to outmaneuver House Republicans and steal the spotlight.