Gaetz Ethics Report in Limbo as Congressional Panel Hits Deadlock

 Gaetz Ethics Report in Limbo as Congressional Panel Hits Deadlock

Ethics Committee Deadlocked Over Release of Report on Matt Gaetz Amid Attorney General Nomination Controversy

The U.S. House Ethics Committee remains divided over whether to release a report on allegations of misconduct against Matt Gaetz, a controversial nominee for U.S. Attorney General under former President Donald Trump. The committee met in a closed-door session on Wednesday, but discussions ended without a resolution, deepening the political storm surrounding Gaetz’s potential confirmation.

Democratic Representative Susan Wild confirmed the stalemate, stating, "There was no consensus on this issue." A vote was taken during the session, but the bipartisan committee remained split along party lines. The committee is set to reconvene on December 5, raising questions about whether the report will be made public before Senate hearings on Gaetz’s nomination.

Mounting Pressure for Transparency

The Ethics Committee has faced growing demands to release its findings, particularly as Senate members begin private consultations with Gaetz ahead of a confirmation hearing. Gaetz, a former Florida congressman, has dismissed the allegations as baseless, describing his meetings with senators as productive.

“They’ve been going great,” Gaetz said Wednesday. “The senators are offering valuable advice, and I’m looking forward to the hearing.”

However, the process has been overshadowed by concerns about the timing and relevance of the ethics report. Gaetz abruptly resigned from the House shortly after his nomination, complicating the committee’s jurisdiction over him. Traditionally, ethics investigations only apply to sitting members of Congress, creating uncertainty about whether the report will ever be disclosed.

Ethical Allegations and Public Scrutiny

Gaetz’s record has been a focal point of scrutiny in recent years. The Justice Department previously investigated him for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and violating federal sex trafficking laws. That case was dropped, and Gaetz was never charged, but he remains a polarizing figure.

In June, the Ethics Committee began investigating claims that Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and improper exchanges of gifts and favors. According to testimony from two women, Gaetz allegedly paid for sexual encounters and participated in inappropriate activities during his tenure as a congressman. One of the women testified to witnessing Gaetz engage in sexual relations with a minor during a 2017 party, according to their lawyer. Gaetz has denied these claims, calling them politically motivated attacks.

“Lies were weaponized to destroy me,” Gaetz wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “These lies resulted in prosecution, conviction, and prison—for the liars, not me.”

Senate Demands Ethics Report

The Senate Judiciary Committee, tasked with vetting Gaetz’s nomination, has called for full access to the ethics report. Democratic Senator Dick Durbin emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that the findings are critical for evaluating Gaetz’s fitness for the role. “This information is relevant to our constitutional responsibility of advice and consent,” Durbin said.

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley echoed this sentiment, noting, “If they want a speedy confirmation process, transparency is essential.”

However, Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest, a Republican, expressed reservations about releasing the report prematurely. Speaking to reporters, Guest explained that the document was still under review. He hinted that the committee could either release it publicly or share it directly with the Senate Judiciary Committee but stopped short of making any commitments.

A Divisive Nominee

Gaetz, 42, is a polarizing figure in American politics. Known for his staunch defense of Trump and his role in unseating former Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Gaetz has built a reputation as a political firebrand. His nomination has garnered both praise and criticism from his former colleagues.

Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, described Gaetz as a “reformer” who would bring valuable perspective to the Justice Department. Yet, Gaetz’s history of alleged improprieties has raised red flags among others in Washington.

Trump has stood firmly by his nominee, with his transition team spokesman Alex Pfieffer stating, “Matt Gaetz will be the next attorney general. He’s the right man for the job and will end the weaponization of our justice system.”

Uncertain Path Forward

The Ethics Committee’s inability to reach a decision leaves the Gaetz nomination clouded in uncertainty. While his supporters argue that the allegations against him lack merit, critics insist that full transparency is necessary before moving forward with his confirmation.

With a key committee meeting set for December 5, it remains to be seen whether the report will influence the Senate’s decision. For now, Gaetz continues to prepare for his hearing, where his nomination will be one of the most contentious political battles of the year.