U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson Opposes Release of Ethics Report on Matt Gaetz Amid Calls for Disclosure

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has voiced his opposition to releasing an ethics committee report concerning allegations against former Congressman Matt Gaetz, who was recently nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Attorney General. Johnson's comments, made during an appearance on CNN Sunday, come amidst mounting bipartisan pressure to disclose the report.

“It should not come out,” Johnson stated, referencing Gaetz's resignation from Congress. “He is no longer a member. There’s a very important protocol and tradition and rule.”

Gaetz, a controversial Republican from Florida, has faced serious allegations, including claims of paying for sex with a minor, illicit drug use, misusing campaign funds, and sharing explicit content on the House floor—accusations he has consistently denied. His resignation following Trump's nomination effectively concluded the House ethics investigation into his conduct.

Despite Johnson's stance, lawmakers from both parties, including Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin, have called for the report's release, emphasizing the Senate's constitutional duty to vet nominees. Mullin noted that while public disclosure might not be essential, “the Senate should have access to that now.”

Democrats have been particularly critical of Gaetz’s nomination, arguing that he is unqualified for the Attorney General position. Senator-elect Adam Schiff stated that Gaetz is “disqualified” due to the serious allegations against him and his lack of experience in the Justice Department. “Are we really going to have an attorney general with credible allegations of child sex trafficking, illicit drug use, and obstruction of an investigation?” Schiff asked on CNN.

Republican concerns have also surfaced, with Mullin recalling videos Gaetz allegedly displayed on the House floor, which purportedly featured women he had been involved with.

Gaetz’s nomination has intensified scrutiny of Trump, with critics suggesting the choice aims to undermine the Justice Department, potentially obstructing criminal investigations into the former president while targeting his political opponents.

In defense of the nomination process, Johnson emphasized that the Senate has the capacity to conduct its own thorough vetting of nominees. “They will have a rigorous review and vetting process,” he asserted, highlighting the limited jurisdiction of the ethics committee over former members.