Biden brings in the badass former federal prosecutor who helped Democrats thwart the Benghazi investigation as his new White House counsel amid escalating threats of impeachment from Republicans
- Ed Siskel served in the Obama White House during the Benghazi investigation
- He served as a business advisor to Rahm’s Mayor Emanuel of Chicago
- Hiring comes as GOP steps up Hunter Biden and other investigations
President Joe Biden is bringing in a new White House attorney known as a hard-line former federal prosecutor to counter a spate of Republican investigations in the House of Representatives and a growing threat of impeachment.
Ed Siskel served as assistant attorney during the Obama administration and helped defend the administration against a heated Republican investigation into four US deaths at US compound in Benghazi, Libya.
He then served as a business advisor to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who earned his own reputation as a courageous man and was Obama’s White House chief of staff.
The move comes amid a spate of Republican investigations ranging from the chaotic withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan to multifaceted investigations into the business dealings of Biden’s son, Hunter.
President Joe Biden brings in former federal attorney Ed Siskel as Republicans in the House prepare for possible impeachment trials
Special Counsel David Weiss is overseeing the investigation into the president’s son after a failed settlement over tax allegations.
House Republicans on Monday subpoenaed IRS and FBI agents involved in the investigation.
“Our duty is to follow the facts wherever they may lead, and our subpoenas and convincing testimonies from Biden administration officials are critical to understanding how the president’s son received special treatment from federal prosecutors and who was the final decision maker in the case,” said House Judiciary Chief Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) in a statement.
Lawmakers including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) have brought in impeachment orders, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has launched an impeachment inquiry, saying last month that it “allows Congress to get the information to.” received to know the truth”.
“He has just the right temperament for this type of role,” former White House Counsel Kathy Ruemmler told CNN, noting the “politically charged” cycle.
“He’s great under pressure.” “Really calm and very reserved but also badass,” she added. “He’s the guy you want with you in the foxhole.”
Siskel also helped deal with Republican investigations into White House ties to solar energy company Solyndra before it went bust. During the 2009 economic crisis, Biden helped secure a $535 million loan guarantee for the company.
The White House announced the hiring change in a statement Tuesday.
“Ed Siskel’s years of public service experience and his career as an advocate for the rule of law make him the perfect choice for my next White House attorney,” Biden said in the statement.
“When I was vice president, he spent nearly four years in the White House helping the Attorney’s Office navigate complex challenges and advance the President’s agenda on behalf of the American people, first as federal prosecutor and then as chief counsel for one of them .” In America’s largest and most vibrant cities, his hometown of Chicago, Ed has shown a deep commitment to public service and respect for the law. His experience will propel him forward as a key leader on my team as we make strides for the American people every day.”
Siskel will replace outgoing White House adviser Stuart Delery next month.