House GOP leaders are launching an investigation into the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) after allegations emerged that the agency contributed to alleged retaliation against two IRS whistleblowers central to a criminal investigation into Hunter Biden.
In a letter to acting principal deputy special counsel Karen Gorman, House Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders requested a briefing to determine if the OSC was involved in a “smear campaign” against whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler.
The letter cites claims by Shapley and Ziegler that they have been retaliated against by “those seeking to smear these courageous individuals” and requests an “impartial investigation” into their whistleblower retaliation claims. The claims were filed with the OSC earlier this year and are currently pending before the agency.
The allegations against Shapley and Ziegler have become central to lawmakers’ investigations into Biden over allegations that the Department of Justice gave favorable treatment in its investigation of him. Shapley and Ziegler allegedly witnessed wrongdoing and reported it responsibly, but have faced retaliation for their bravery.
The GOP leaders are seeking to determine if the OSC contributed to the alleged smear campaign by failing to take action to correct false information about the whistleblowers, which was filed under seal in a court document. The document was intended to clarify that the whistleblowers were not under investigation, but its redactions caused it to be misinterpreted and damaging to their reputation.
The investigation comes after Biden was found guilty on federal gun charges and is currently facing federal tax crimes charges. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
