Remember: The Gaetz Report Relies on Man Already in Jail for Falsely Accusing Someone Else of Exact Same Crime

The House Ethics Committee released a report on Monday detailing allegations of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use against former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who had been nominated for Attorney General by President-elect Donald Trump before withdrawing.

The Committee cited “substantial evidence” supporting the claims, according to CBS. However, critics, including Federalist Editor-in-Chief Molly Hemingway, argue the investigation’s basis is dubious, particularly as the DOJ declined to pursue charges in 2022.

Central to the allegations is Joel Greenberg, a former Seminole County tax collector currently serving an 11-year prison sentence for various crimes, including fabricating allegations against others.

Greenberg, who had an inappropriate relationship with a minor, reportedly pressured Gaetz for a pardon and turned on him when rebuffed. Hemingway highlighted Greenberg’s admission to a fellow inmate that he fabricated claims against Gaetz to reduce his own sentence.

Despite Greenberg’s unreliable history, the Ethics Committee relied on his testimony and that of two women connected to his accusations. The DOJ found Greenberg’s allegations against Gaetz too unreliable to act upon.

Gaetz contends the Ethics Committee’s investigation was politically motivated, stemming from his role in ousting former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Critics view the case as part of a broader pattern of leveraging unverified sexual misconduct claims for political ends.

Hemingway and others argue the Committee’s reliance on Greenberg damages its credibility, pointing to a history of questionable tactics in high-profile political cases.