Biden Says He’s Not Focused On House Impeachment Inquiry: ‘I’ve Got A Job To Do’

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced the launch of an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden on Tuesday. The inquiry is based on the question of whether or not Biden benefited from Hunter Biden’s business dealings.

Late on Wednesday, Biden dismissed the House Republicans’ inquiry and stated that as far as he could tell, they only started the investigation to shut down the federal government.

Speaking at a Democratic fundraiser in Virginia, Biden declared that he was not following the probe, and was instead focused on the needs of the American people.

Biden reminded the audience that when Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia), a steadfast ally to former President Donald Trump, was elected to the U.S. Congress, she said the first thing she intended to do was impeach him.

 “I get up every day, not a joke, not focused on impeachment. I’ve got a job to do,” Biden said. 

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre labeled the inquiry as a “political stunt” and asserted that Republicans have not produced any evidence against Biden as Hunter’s business dealings are investigated.

On Wednesday, McCarthy held a private meeting of the House of Republicans in order to justify his reasons for the inquiry sought by Trump. McCarthy has already suggested corruption, abuse of power, and obstruction as possible charges in potential articles of impeachment.

McCarthy’s actions will likely lead to months of divisive House hearings that will distract from lawmakers’ efforts to avoid a government shutdown and could be a big issue in the 2024 presidential race.  

McCarthy’s choice to start the impeachment inquiry has not mollified conservative lawmakers, whom he needs to pass federal spending bills. Far-right Republicans are still calling for McCarthy to cut the federal spending below the levels previously agreed on with Biden earlier this year. This risks a federal shutdown if the government isn’t funded by September 30, when the current appropriations will run out.