Donald Trump’s decision to appoint Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) as the next attorney general sparked Gaetz’s resignation from Congress. However, according to reports, his departure may have been influenced by the impending release of a House Ethics Committee investigative report.
Gaetz, known for his loyalty to Trump and his strong “MAGA” stance, had been under scrutiny by a House ethics panel since 2021. Punchbowl News reports that his resignation came just two days before the committee was set to vote on whether to release a “highly damaging” report on its findings. The House Ethics Committee’s investigation into Gaetz has focused on a range of potential misconduct.
According to Punchbowl News reporter Melanie Zanona, the panel has been examining allegations that Gaetz “engaged in sexual misconduct and/or illicit drug use, shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use, and/or accepted a bribe, improper gratuity, or impermissible gift.”
This probe has been ongoing, and the timing of Gaetz’s resignation has raised questions about whether he left Congress to avoid the consequences of a potentially damning report. By resigning, Gaetz effectively limited the House Ethics Committee’s jurisdiction, as the panel loses authority over former members once they leave office. This timing has led some to speculate that Gaetz’s exit was strategically planned to avoid the release of damaging details.
House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed Gaetz’s resignation on Wednesday, noting that it came as a bit of a surprise. “It caught us by surprise a little bit,” Johnson admitted, adding, “But I asked him what the reasoning was, and he said, ‘Well, you can’t have too many absences.’” Gaetz’s abrupt resignation, however, is seen by many as more than just a practical decision about attendance.
The potential release of the Ethics Committee’s findings, which reportedly include allegations of significant misconduct, looms large over Gaetz’s departure and new role. As Gaetz steps into the position of attorney general, Trump’s administration faces renewed scrutiny over the qualifications and backgrounds of his top appointees.
Gaetz’s past and the ethical controversies surrounding him may pose challenges, raising questions about his capacity to lead the Justice Department while maintaining public confidence. His resignation, just before the Ethics Committee’s report could be made public, leaves lingering doubts and continues to fuel discussions about accountability and ethical standards within the highest ranks of government.