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Speaker 'Strongly' Requests Matt Gaetz Ethics Probe Not Be Released
Above: US House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, speaks during a news conference following the House Republican conference meeting in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. Image copyright: Tierney L. Cross/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Friday that he "strongly" recommends the House Ethics Committee not release its report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz's (R-Fla.) sexual misconduct allegations. He said releasing a report on someone who's no longer in Congress would open a "Pandora's box."
Gaetz, who was recently nominated by Pres.-elect Donald Trump to be Attorney General (AG), was reportedly investigated for alleged sex with a minor and illegal drug use, among other misconduct.
The Spin
Republican narrative
Matt Gaetz has been defamed for three years, starting with an anonymous source-based New York Times article smearing him as a sex trafficker. Even the Biden DOJ chose not to prosecute him, but Democrats, and even some establishment Republicans, are still trying to use this hoax as a way to prevent Gaetz from being AG. They hold disdain for him because he exposes government corruption, which is why his leadership is needed now more than ever.
Democratic narrative
The widespread distrust of Matt Gaetz is coming from both sides for good reason. Besides the fact that an alleged child predator should not be in charge of the law, both Democrats and Republicans know that he's unqualified as a lawyer. This ethics report should be released immediately so the whole country can see Gaetz's alleged history of sexual abuse, illicit drug use, and campaign finance violations. Holding corrupt politicians accountable is a bipartisan issue.
