The House Ethics Committee has secretly voted to release a long-awaited and reportedly damaging report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) before the current Congress adjourns. This decision, first reported by CNN, marks a reversal from a prior vote to withhold the report following Gaetz’s resignation from Congress last month.
The move has ignited a firestorm of political debate, with accusations of partisanship, selective leaks, and attempts to undermine Gaetz’s political career. The report is expected to be released after the House concludes its final votes of the year, as lawmakers head home for the holidays.
A Stark Reversal by the Ethics Committee
The Ethics Committee’s vote earlier this month reflects a significant shift from its decision in November to shelve the report. At the time, the committee cited Gaetz’s resignation as its rationale, arguing it no longer had jurisdiction over the matter. However, this latest vote suggests some Republican members have joined Democrats in supporting the report’s release.
The investigation into Gaetz initially began years ago, focusing on allegations of sexual misconduct and other improprieties. While the Department of Justice cleared Gaetz of criminal charges in February 2023, the Ethics Committee pursued its own inquiry, reigniting tensions within the GOP. Gaetz’s vocal challenges to former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), including leading a motion to vacate McCarthy as Speaker, have fueled speculation that the report’s release may be politically motivated.
Leaks, Allegations, and Political Intrigue
The release of the report follows a series of damaging leaks to the media, with Democrats pushing for public disclosure. Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA), the top Democrat on the Ethics Committee, has been accused of leaking portions of the report to the press, further exacerbating tensions within the committee.
Adding to the intrigue, a “hacker” allegedly obtained a trove of documents from the report, raising questions about its security and the motivations behind the leaks. Critics have described the investigation as a form of “lawfare,” targeting Gaetz to discredit him and influence public perception.
Matt Gaetz Responds
Gaetz, who resigned from Congress last month after being named by President-elect Donald Trump as his pick for Attorney General, has fiercely defended himself against the allegations. In a public statement, Gaetz reiterated that the DOJ had exonerated him of all criminal wrongdoing, describing the Ethics Committee’s actions as a continuation of politically motivated attacks.
“The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes. I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me,” Gaetz stated.
He criticized the Ethics Committee for reviving claims deemed not credible by the DOJ and expressed frustration over his inability to challenge the report or cross-examine witnesses. Gaetz also addressed aspects of his personal life that had drawn scrutiny, admitting to a past lifestyle of “partying, womanizing, drinking, and smoking” but denying any criminal behavior.
Political Implications
The release of the report could have significant repercussions, both for Gaetz and the broader political landscape. Gaetz remains active in GOP politics and has hinted at supporting President Trump in alternative roles. However, the report’s publication may complicate his efforts to maintain influence within the party.
Critics argue that the report’s timing and selective leaks indicate a broader attempt to target political opponents, with some labeling the process as a weaponization of congressional oversight. Gaetz’s allies claim the investigation was re-opened in retaliation for his role in McCarthy’s ousting and other intra-party battles.
What’s Next?
As the Ethics Committee prepares to release the report, the fallout will likely dominate political discourse in the coming weeks. Whether the report substantiates the allegations or further polarizes an already divided Congress remains to be seen.
The unfolding drama surrounding Matt Gaetz underscores the complex and often contentious nature of ethics investigations in Congress, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and partisanship.
Sources
- CNN report on the Ethics Committee’s vote
- Matt Gaetz’s public statement
- DOJ decision clearing Gaetz of criminal charges (February 2023)
- Allegations of leaks by Rep. Susan Wild and “hacker” document breach
- Coverage of Gaetz’s challenges to Speaker McCarthy and subsequent resignation
