(TheRedWire.com) – The House Ethics Committee announced an investigation for possible obstruction against Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.). In a rare public update, the committee noted that while there have been challenges in obtaining information, including from Gaetz, they have managed to issue 25 subpoenas and get interviews with a dozen witnesses. The committee is looking into a number of allegations against Gaetz, including acceptance of improper gifts, drug usage, and sexual misconduct.
However, the panel also opted to stop the investigations into whether Gaetz shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misused state identification records, misused campaign funds for personal use, or accepted a bribe or improper gratuity. Gaetz has consistently denied all allegations. He has also slammed the “new frivolous investigations” as baseless and politically motivated claiming that the Ethics Committee was just trying to avoid focusing on banning Congressional stock trading.
The Ethics Committee argued that it is confident in its process, despite the revived investigation following a Department of Justice probe into Gaetz starting in early 2021. That probe includes allegations of a sexual relationship with a minor. The DOJ declined to prosecute Gaetz in 2023.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has claimed Gaetz led efforts to remove him from the Speakership due to the Ethics Committee probe. As he argued this was an attempt by Gaetz to stop the investigation against him.
The committee has reaffirmed that just because there is an investigation that does not act as confirmation of any violation and argued that there would not be any further public comments on this case.
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