In a fiery day on Capitol Hill, the House Ethics Committee faced mounting pressure to release a highly anticipated report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial pick for attorney general. Despite hours of closed-door deliberations on Wednesday, the bipartisan panel failed to reach a consensus, leaving the fate of the report uncertain.
Why This Report Matters
The report delves into serious allegations against Gaetz, including sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, accepting improper gifts, and obstruction of justice during the Ethics Committee’s yearslong probe. Although Gaetz has consistently denied the allegations, the lack of resolution raises questions about transparency, particularly as Senate Republicans prepare for his contentious confirmation hearings.
Democrats are now taking matters into their own hands. Reps. Steve Cohen and Sean Casten introduced resolutions to force a House vote on making the report public. If passed, it could shed light on allegations that have already sparked intense debate across party lines.
Speaker Johnson Opposes Public Release
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a staunch Trump ally, argued against releasing the report, claiming that the Ethics Committee’s jurisdiction does not extend to former members. “Matt Gaetz is not a member of the body anymore,” Johnson stated, emphasizing his belief in protecting institutional guardrails.
However, critics argue that the report’s findings are crucial for the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will play a pivotal role in Gaetz’s confirmation.
Allegations and Testimonies
The Ethics Committee has investigated Gaetz for over three years, reportedly interviewing witnesses who alleged that Gaetz paid for sex, including with a then-17-year-old girl. Gaetz’s legal team and Trump’s transition team have dismissed these claims as “baseless,” citing the Justice Department’s decision not to pursue charges against him.
Joel Leppard, an attorney representing two women interviewed by the committee, confirmed that his clients want the report to be public. “They want the American people to know the truth,” Leppard said, describing the women’s testimonies about parties, payments, and Gaetz’s alleged behavior.
Senate’s Divided Stance on Gaetz
While Trump has doubled down on Gaetz’s nomination, not all Senate Republicans are on board. Prominent GOP senators like Lindsey Graham and John Cornyn have expressed concerns, emphasizing the need for transparency. Cornyn noted, “Everything’s eventually going to come out. Transparency is a good thing.”
Others, like Sen. Marsha Blackburn, have voiced their support for Gaetz, with Blackburn stating she looks forward to his “speedy confirmation.” Vice President-elect JD Vance, acting as a key ally, has been accompanying Gaetz in meetings with senators to solidify support.
What’s Next?
The Ethics Committee plans to reconvene on December 5 to revisit the report’s release. Meanwhile, House Democrats are pushing for a floor vote that could force the committee’s hand. If passed, this vote could happen as early as Thursday, the last legislative day before Thanksgiving.
Gaetz remains confident, focusing on his vision for reforming the Department of Justice rather than the ongoing Ethics Committee deliberations. “It’s a great day,” he told reporters after meeting with senators.
A Precedent for Transparency
This isn’t the first time the House Ethics Committee has faced demands to release reports on former members. In past cases, such as those involving Reps. Bill Boner and Buz Lukens, reports were made public after their resignations. Democrats argue that the same standard should apply to Gaetz.
The Stakes Are High
As Trump’s team continues to champion Gaetz’s nomination, the controversy surrounding the report has heightened tensions in Washington. Will the report see the light of day? And what impact could it have on Gaetz’s confirmation process? Stay tuned as this high-stakes political drama unfolds.