Gaetz-gate: Navigating the President-elect’s most baffling Cabinet pick
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., may have resigned from Congress, but the controversy surrounding him continues to escalate. As President-elect Trump’s pick for Attorney General, Gaetz finds himself at the center of a storm as the House Ethics Committee investigates allegations of “sexual misconduct” and “illicit drug use” against him.
Gaetz’s swift negotiation with Trump to become Attorney General on a flight to Florida, followed by his resignation from Congress, has brought the Ethics Committee’s report on him to the forefront. While the committee is typically powerless to act once a member has resigned, there are precedents for releasing reports on former members, such as in the cases of John Murtha and Bill Boner.
The Senate Judiciary Committee, tasked with vetting Gaetz for the Attorney General position, has requested the Ethics Committee’s report. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin emphasized the importance of this information in assessing Gaetz’s fitness for the role. Republicans like Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. Glenn Ivey also support the release of the report to ensure a thorough review.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, however, cautioned against releasing the report, citing tradition and the potential consequences of setting a new precedent. He believes that it could open a “dangerous Pandora’s box” for future cases involving former members of Congress.
The Senate Judiciary Committee may have the option to subpoena the report if necessary. Additionally, a parliamentary maneuver on the House floor could force a vote to release the report, putting pressure on Republicans who may fear backlash from Trump. Despite Gaetz’s departure from Congress, the battle over the ethics report rages on, causing turmoil and uncertainty in Washington.
As the saga unfolds, it becomes clear that even without Gaetz in Congress, his presence looms large and the repercussions of his actions continue to reverberate throughout Capitol Hill. The fight over the ethics report is far from over, and the outcome remains uncertain as key players navigate the complexities of the situation.
