Hunter Biden, on Wednesday, entered a plea of not guilty to federal tax charges after the initial plea deal he had reached with the government fell apart due to the judge’s questions about the agreement’s terms.

The unexpected turn of events occurred during a hearing in federal court, where Biden had been expected to plead guilty to two counts of tax evasion under the previously negotiated deal from the previous month.

However, the judge, U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika, refused to approve the deal without addressing her concerns and instead heard Biden’s “not guilty” plea.

Both parties will meet later to resolve the judge’s queries and provide additional information, possibly within the next six weeks, NBC News has reported.

Judge Noreika seemed displeased, expressing her unwillingness to serve as a mere formality in approving the deal.

She emphasized the need for transparency and clarification, especially considering the two separate agreements—one for unpaid taxes and the other for a gun possession charge—and how they might overlap under her jurisdiction.

Biden is expected to change his plea if a revised agreement or additional information satisfies Judge Noreika’s concerns.

The case is being overseen by U.S. Attorney David Weiss of Delaware, who was initially appointed by President Donald Trump and retained by President Joe Biden to handle the matter.

Written by staff