Gaetz Just Got Major News About His Future As AG
The highly awaited report on allegations of sexual misconduct against former Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) was not released by the House Ethics Committee on Wednesday. This decision has intensified tensions in Washington as Gaetz, appointed attorney general by President-elect Donald Trump, faces a contentious confirmation process.
According to sources, the 10-member bipartisan panel, split evenly between Republicans and Democrats, voted along party lines. Republicans opposed publicly releasing the findings, while Democrats supported disclosure. This partisan divide has fueled concerns about Gaetz’s suitability for the role and added controversy to Trump’s choice. Gaetz has consistently denied the accusations.
“There is not an agreement by the committee to release the report,” stated Ethics Chair Michael Guest (R-MS) after a two-hour meeting.
The allegations, dating back to Gaetz’s time in Congress, involve claims of improper use of campaign funds and sexual misconduct. Although federal investigators reportedly decided earlier this year not to pursue charges, the Ethics Committee continued its inquiry.
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A source familiar with the proceedings told The Hill that the committee held several votes during a closed-door meeting. Three key motions were considered: one to release the report in its entirety, which failed; another to publish only the exhibits, which also failed; and a third to formally “complete” the investigation, which gained bipartisan support.
This marks the culmination of a week filled with speculation about the committee’s actions. Lawmakers from both parties have urged the release of the findings. However, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has strongly advocated keeping the report confidential as Trump’s administration proceeds with Gaetz’s appointment.
The Hill further reported that members left the meeting with the expectation that the report would be “ready” for a potential vote during the next session.
“I will say that a vote was taken,” noted Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA). “As many of you know, this committee is evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans—five Dems, five Republicans—which means that in order to affirmatively move something forward, somebody has to cross party lines and vote with the other side—which happens a lot, by the way, and we often vote unanimously.”
Joel Leppard, an attorney representing two women who testified before the Ethics Committee, told ABC News that Gaetz had paid both of his adult clients for sex. Leppard also alleged that one of his clients witnessed Gaetz engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl at a Florida house party.
“She testified [that] in July of 2017, at this house party, she was walking out to the pool area, and she looked to her right, and she saw Rep. Gaetz having sex with her friend, who was 17,” Leppard stated.
Amid the controversy surrounding Gaetz’s nomination, Leppard reiterated his call for the Ethics Committee to release its findings. He further claimed that the former congressman used Venmo to pay his clients for sexual encounters.