Gaetz Ethics Probe Ends Without Public Report, Leaving AG Nomination in Limbo

A House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of serious misconduct against President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general nominee, Matt Gaetz, has concluded without the release of its findings, Al Jazeera reports.

The panel, evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, failed to reach a decision on releasing the report after a closed-door meeting Wednesday.

The investigation, launched in 2021, examined multiple allegations against the former Florida congressman, including sex trafficking of a minor, drug use, and campaign finance violations. While the Department of Justice closed its own investigation into sex trafficking allegations last year without filing charges, the House Ethics Committee’s probe continued.

Gaetz, who was re-elected this month, resigned from Congress shortly after his nomination on November 13th, just days before the ethics committee was to vote on releasing its report. This preemptive resignation created uncertainty over the panel’s ability to release its findings, as its jurisdiction typically applies only to sitting members of Congress.

Despite the committee’s inability to reach consensus, calls are mounting for the report’s contents to be shared with the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will consider Gaetz’s confirmation as attorney general. Both Democrats and some Republicans have voiced this demand.

House Speaker Mike Johnson argued against releasing the report, citing concerns about setting a “terrible precedent.” However, Senate Judiciary Committee’s top Democrat, Senator Dick Durbin, has taken a stronger stance, sending a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray demanding access to files related to the alleged sex trafficking of minors.

Gaetz, who maintains his innocence and claims the investigations are politically motivated, has repeatedly denied all wrongdoing.