By House Ethics Committee Republicans voted Wednesday against releasing findings from their investigation of Matt Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, creating a temporary reprieve as he navigates a contentious confirmation process.
Rep. Susan Wild of Pennsylvania, the panel’s ranking Democrat, revealed the vote fell along party lines in the evenly split committee. “There was no consensus on this issue,” Wild said, noting the committee plans to reconvene December 5 to reconsider releasing its findings.
The development comes as Gaetz, a former congressman, spent hours in private meetings with Republican senators who will ultimately vote on his nomination to lead the Department of Justice. Trump has positioned Gaetz as a key ally in plans to overhaul what they view as a “weaponized” justice system.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) forcefully defended Gaetz after the meetings. “I’m not going to legitimize the process to destroy the man because people don’t like his politics,” Graham said. “He deserves a chance to make his argument why he should be attorney general.”
Meanwhile, Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats have requested the FBI provide its “complete evidentiary file” regarding a closed investigation into allegations of sex trafficking involving Gaetz. “The grave public allegations against Mr. Gaetz speak directly to his fitness to serve as the chief law enforcement officer for the federal government,” wrote Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).
Vice President-elect JD Vance is shepherding Gaetz through Senate consultations, primarily with Judiciary Committee members who will conduct initial confirmation hearings. The meetings largely focused on strategy for presenting Trump’s vision for the Justice Department.
While House Speaker Mike Johnson argues against releasing the ethics report since Gaetz resigned his congressional seat following the nomination, several Republican senators indicate they want complete information before deciding their votes.
“Donald Trump is understandably, legitimately and authentically concerned that he has an attorney general that’s willing to do what he wants him to do,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who attended a SpaceX launch with Trump Tuesday. “Matt Gaetz is definitely the guy that will not hold on any punches.”
Confirmation hearings are expected to begin when the new Congress convenes January 3, 2025, with Republicans holding majority control. Initial votes could come as early as Inauguration Day, January 20.
