Enough Evidence for an Impeachment Inquiry? Jean-Pierre: 'I've Already Spoken to This'; on Devon Archer: 'I'm Sorry, Who?' (July 25, 2023)

Speaker Kevin McCarthy had begun talking about an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, and a reporter asked the White House a simple question. “Speaker McCarthy’s impeachment inquiry comments. He seems to be making the point that he thinks there’s been enough mounting evidence to at least have an inquiry on this,” the reporter said [1].

“I’ve already spoken to this —” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. ”— twice before though.” [1]

“But can you at least say whether you agree or disagree that there’s enough mounting evidence (inaudible)?” the reporter asked [1].

“I answered two of your colleagues this — this question about what Speaker McCarthy is going to do, not — not going to do, how House Republicans are going to move forward. I just don’t have anything else to share. Go ahead,” Jean-Pierre said [1].

The video above shows the exchange at the July 25, 2023, briefing. Quotes are from the official transcript published by the American Presidency Project [1].

”I’m Sorry, Who?”

The same reporter had first asked about a witness. “Yes, I just wanted to ask about Devon Archer. He’s going to be — having testimony for the Oversight Committee.” Jean-Pierre stopped: “I’m sorry, who?” [1]

“Devon Archer,” the reporter repeated. “Okay,” Jean-Pierre said. “Hunter Biden’s business partner,” the reporter explained. “Is he considered a reliable witness?” “I don’t have anything to — I don’t have any comment on — on this,” Jean-Pierre said [1].

Another reporter asked about Hunter Biden’s court date the next day. “You know, given the President’s unwavering support for him, is anyone from the family planning to accompany him tomorrow?” Jean-Pierre referred the question “to — to Hunter Biden’s representatives” [1].

”Unique and Very Stressful”

Then came the dog. “On a very different topic: the dog,” a reporter said, to laughter. “It seems that Commander Biden has a bit of a biting problem. Can you give us the latest?” [1]

“So, as — (laughter) — as you all know, the White House complex can be unique and very stressful. And that is something I’m sure — (laughter) — you all can understand,” Jean-Pierre said [1].

She said the first lady’s office was working with the Secret Service “on additional leashing protocols and training, as well as establishing designated areas for Commander to run and exercise” [1].

“According to the Secret Service, each incident referenced was treated similarly to comparable — comparable, pardon me, workplace injuries with relevant notifications of reporting procedures followed,” she said. The Bidens “continue to be incredibly grateful to the Secret Service and the Executive Residence staff,” she added [1].

”That Would Be New”

One reporter opened with a joke about the briefing’s format: “And then you’ll be directed to a short survey to gauge your level of satisfaction of this experience.” “Oh, wow. That would be new,” Jean-Pierre said [1].

The question was serious. “My question is this: Does President Biden trust Prime Minister Netanyahu?” the reporter asked. “Look, what I can tell you again, as you just stated: They have a longstanding relationship. They speak candidly with each other,” Jean-Pierre said [1].

By the Numbers

• 2: earlier answers Jean-Pierre said she had already given on impeachment that day [1].
• 20+: times Archer heard Hunter talk to his father, according to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene [2].
• 11: known biting incidents by Commander when he was removed, per Fox News [3].
• 221-212: the House vote formalizing the impeachment inquiry [4].

What Happened Next

Archer testified. Six days later, Archer told the House Oversight Committee in a closed-door interview that Hunter put his father on speakerphone with business partners. “Archer said Biden was put on the phone to sell ‘the brand,’” a source told Fox News. “These phone calls included a dinner in Paris with a French energy company and in China with Jonathan Li of BHR Partners, a state-backed private equity firm,” Fox reported. “Archer also stated that Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company, would have gone under if not for ‘the brand’” [2].

Commander left. “Commander is not presently on the White House campus while next steps are evaluated,” the first lady’s spokeswoman told Fox News in October 2023. The bite that month marked “the 11th known incident of Commander biting White House or Secret Service personnel,” Fox reported. Judicial Watch had earlier “obtained reports of the 10 previous incidents of Commander terrorizing staff from October 2022 through January 2023,” Fox noted [3].

The inquiry became official. On Dec. 13, 2023, the House voted 221 to 212 to pass H. Res. 918, directing committees to continue their investigations as part of the impeachment inquiry. Every Republican voted yes and every Democrat voted no, the House Clerk’s records show [4].

Trump pardoned Archer. In March 2025, President Donald Trump pardoned Archer, who had been convicted in a tribal bond fraud case that did not involve Hunter Biden. “He was a victim of a crime, as far as I’m concerned. So we’re going to undo that. … Congratulations, Devon,” Trump said [5].

For the White House’s Hunter answers the day before, see HYGO News’ page on July 24, 2023.

Sources

1. The American Presidency Project: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre (July 25, 2023)
2. Fox News: GOP sees smoking gun after Hunter Biden’s ex-business partner opens up in closed-door interview (July 31, 2023)
3. Fox News: Biden’s dog, Commander, removed from White House after series of biting incidents (October 4, 2023)
4. Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives: Roll Call 720, H. Res. 918 (December 13, 2023)
5. Fox News: Trump pardons former Hunter Biden business associate Devon Archer (March 25, 2025)