A Wall Street Journal examination shows that the practice extended beyond his son Hunter Biden. The president’s younger brothers—James and Francis Biden—sought to profit from their blood connection to the politician, according to interviews and public records.

Certain Biden family members’ yearslong pattern of trading on the powerful name is at the center of an impeachment inquiry by House Republicans that got under way with a committee hearing Thursday.

Lawmakers allege they unfairly profited from the elder Biden’s political clout, and the inquiry will examine whether the president also benefited from or otherwise played a role in the financial endeavors of his kin. …

The Journal’s examination of President Biden’s relatives’ dealings didn’t turn up evidence that he benefited from the business enterprises that relied on his name. But on at least a few occasions before his presidency, Joe Biden was more present in his family’s business dealings than he or they have acknowledged.

[I don’t think anyone disputes the fact that Hunter, James, and Frank all profited off of Joe Biden’s status in Washington. That’s not illegal in and of itself. The real questions are whether Joe abused his office to provide favors to their clients, and even more whether Joe financially benefited from those influence-peddling operations. — Ed]