House Republicans Block Release of Gaetz Ethics Report Twice

On Thursday, House Republicans moved to prevent the public release of a report from the House Ethics Committee, which allegedly contains serious claims against former Representative Matt Gaetz. The report reportedly includes accusations of sexual misconduct and drug use—allegations that have long been associated with Gaetz and have complicated his potential political future, including speculation around his possible role in former President Donald Trump’s administration.

The House conducted two separate votes regarding the release of the report, with both votes split largely along party lines. The first vote resulted in a 206-198 decision, and the second vote came in at 204-198, both effectively sending the report back to the Ethics Committee and keeping its contents hidden from the public eye.

The push to keep the report sealed had broad support from House Republicans, although Representative Tom McClintock of California was a notable exception. McClintock crossed party lines, joining Democrats in advocating for transparency by voting in favor of making the report public. His dissent highlighted a rare divide within the Republican Party as most GOP members voted against the release.

Gaetz, a polarizing figure in politics, has long been known for his outspoken support of Trump and his combative political style. Allegations of misconduct against him first came to light in 2021, with reports suggesting a federal investigation into claims of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use. Although the Justice Department ultimately declined to press charges, citing a lack of sufficient evidence, the controversy surrounding Gaetz persisted.

The Ethics Committee’s report was expected to provide more details on the allegations against Gaetz. While the full contents remain confidential, sources familiar with the matter suggest that the report includes evidence and testimony related to claims of inappropriate relationships and drug use. The Republicans’ decision to block the report’s release has drawn criticism from Democrats and transparency advocates, who argue that the public has the right to access the findings of an official congressional investigation.

Democratic lawmakers have accused the GOP of prioritizing political protection over public accountability. Representative Ted Lieu, a Democrat from California, argued that the American people deserve transparency when elected officials face serious allegations. “This is about restoring integrity and trust in our political system,” Lieu said. “The public deserves to know the truth.”

In contrast, Republican leaders have defended their actions, claiming that the Ethics Committee’s investigation should not be used as a political weapon. Some Republicans also argued that the report contained unverified claims that could unfairly tarnish individuals’ reputations. “We must respect the due process rights of those involved,” said one Republican lawmaker, speaking against the report’s release. “We cannot allow political theater to undermine the integrity of the investigation.”

Matt Gaetz, for his part, has continued to assert his innocence. Responding to the news that the report would not be released, Gaetz dismissed the allegations as part of a wider effort to undermine him. “This is yet another smear campaign by the political establishment,” Gaetz said in a statement. “I have done nothing wrong, and no amount of political maneuvering will change that.”

With the Ethics Committee now tasked with reviewing the report in private, it remains uncertain whether it will ever be made public. Some lawmakers are determined to push for the release of the document, while others believe the controversy will eventually fade from the political spotlight. Regardless of the outcome, the situation has reignited debates on congressional oversight, accountability, and the political tactics at play in Washington.