In a recent development, the House Ethics Committee, now under Republican leadership, has taken significant strides in its investigation into GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz. The committee has reached out to potential witnesses, indicating a renewed interest in the once-dormant probe. This follows a formal request sent last week, aligning with the House’s decision to expel former Rep. George Santos over ethics violations.
A source familiar with the investigation revealed that the formal interview request was the first visible activity since investigators initially contacted witnesses in July. The email, obtained by CNN, states that the committee’s Chairman and Ranking Member have authorized staff to conduct an interview with the witness, suggesting a reinvigorated effort to explore allegations surrounding Gaetz.
Despite the Justice Department’s decision in February not to bring criminal charges against Gaetz after a lengthy federal sex-trafficking investigation, the Ethics Committee continues its scrutiny. Gaetz, consistently denying any wrongdoing, including allegations of involvement with a minor or illicit financial activities, responded to the Committee’s probe with a dismissive, “Oh please,” adding, “I wish them luck.”
Initially launched by Democrats in 2021, the Ethics Committee’s Gaetz investigation covered a spectrum of allegations, from sex trafficking violations to inappropriate behavior on the House floor and campaign fund misappropriation. Recent developments, however, indicate a focus on possible lobbying violations.
CNN previously reported that the committee’s questions in July centered around lobbying concerns, suggesting a nuanced shift in the investigation’s direction.
Despite the ongoing probe, committee investigators have not approached critical witnesses tied to the federal sex-trafficking investigation. Notably absent from interview requests are the woman who allegedly had sex with Gaetz at 17 and an ex-girlfriend who testified before the grand jury. Joel Greenberg, Gaetz’s longtime friend and convicted fraudster, who cooperated extensively in the Justice Department’s probe, has also not been interviewed.
In a twist of internal party dynamics, Gaetz has privately pointed fingers at former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy for the Committee’s renewed interest. McCarthy, however, has consistently denied these accusations, attributing Gaetz’s efforts to oust him to concerns over the Ethics probe.
Gaetz, critical of McCarthy, expressed trust in current House Speaker Mike Johnson, highlighting a contrast in dynamics. “I trust Mike Johnson. And I know Mike Johnson wants to achieve the goals I wanted to achieve,” Gaetz said after Johnson’s election.
As the House Ethics Committee resumes its inquiry into Gaetz, the political and legal landscape surrounding the controversial Republican continues to evolve, keeping the spotlight firmly on the ongoing investigation.
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(Sources: CNN)
image source : edition.cnn.com
