Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
Top Democratic lawmakers have called on the FBI to release all investigative materials related to previous allegations of sex trafficking against former Rep. Matt Gaetz.
Let’s bring you up to speed: Last week, President-Elect Donald Trump announced his decision to nominate former Congressman Matt Gaetz as the next Attorney General. Gaetz’s nomination has sparked criticism from Democrats and mixed reactions from Republican lawmakers over past investigations into alleged sexual misconduct, including a DOJ inquiry into sex trafficking that did not lead to charges. Gaetz also faced a House Ethics Committee investigation into alleged sexual misconduct and drug use, but his sudden resignation from Congress halted the release of that investigation, which could have been publicly released last week. Gaetz maintained that the ethics investigation was politically motivated and pushed by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
What’s going on now: In a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, top Democratic senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee formally requested “the complete evidentiary file” from the bureau’s investigation into allegations of sex trafficking of minors against former Rep. Matt Gaetz. The letter, led by Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin (D-IL) and signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Peter Welch (D-VT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Alex Padilla (D-CA), came as Gaetz’s is facing significant resistance from democrats and some republicans following his Attorney General appointment.
In the letter, lawmakers wrote, “In order for the Senate to perform its constitutional duty in this instance, we must be able to thoroughly review all relevant materials that speak to the credibility of these serious allegations against Mr. Gaetz.” They added, “The grave public allegations against Mr. Gaetz speak directly to his fitness to serve as the chief law enforcement officer for the federal government. The unanswered questions regarding Mr. Gaetz’s alleged conduct are particularly significant given that his associate, Joel Greenberg, pleaded guilty to the sex trafficking charge for which Mr. Gaetz was also investigated.”
Reactions from Republicans: Republicans have voiced mixed reactions to the request for FBI files and the allegations against Matt Gaetz. While some GOP senators have signaled a willingness to review all relevant information, others have downplayed the necessity of revisiting a closed investigation, arguing that the Justice Department’s decision not to file charges should suffice.
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), who will chair the Senate Judiciary Committee next year, stated that the committee should receive any relevant information to facilitate a thorough review but has not committed to supporting the Democrats’ full request. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has discouraged the release of the House Ethics Committee’s report on Gaetz because he is no longer a member of Congress.
