The report was released after Gaetz stepped down from consideration for a cabinet position, allowing the committee to make it public without political blowback. It aimed to inform the public and future voters about Gaetz's alleged misconduct, including paying for sex and drugs while in Congress.
The report found evidence that Gaetz paid women for sex or drugs on at least 20 occasions, used coded language for drugs like ecstasy, and engaged in illicit drug use while serving in Congress. It also implicated him in violating state laws regarding prostitution and statutory rape.
Gaetz criticized the timing of the report's release, calling it a 'Christmas Eve Eve report' designed to harm him without a proper legal process. He also defended himself on social media, posting over 30 times about the allegations.
Both Democrats and Republicans expressed concern over Gaetz's behavior, with some Republicans previously voicing discomfort about his potential nomination as Attorney General. The report highlighted his alienation from many colleagues, despite support from Donald Trump.
Two centrist Republicans, Dave Joyce and Andrew Garbarino, voted with Democrats to release the report, likely due to bipartisan disapproval of Gaetz's actions. The report's findings were deemed serious enough to warrant public scrutiny, especially given his past behavior on the congressional floor.
The report may limit Gaetz's chances of returning to public office, as it exposes his past misconduct and could influence voter perception. However, his support among the MAGA base remains uncertain, and his future political ambitions may depend on how his base reacts.
Biden commuted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates to life in prison, citing his opposition to the death penalty. However, he excluded three high-profile cases, including the Boston Marathon bomber and Dylan Roof, to acknowledge their significant impact on American history.
Critics, including some victims' families, argued that Biden's decision was inconsistent and unfair, as it commuted some sentences but not others. They felt it added to the emotional burden on families who had already suffered years of appeals and uncertainty.
Panama's president and citizens strongly rejected Trump's comments, viewing them as a threat to their sovereignty. They emphasized their readiness to defend the canal, which they consider a national treasure, and criticized Trump's lack of historical understanding.
Companies like Ford donated to Trump's inaugural fund to establish goodwill and potentially secure favorable treatment from his administration. Trump is known for being transactional, and these donations signal a shift from his first term, where companies were wary of associating with him.
An ethics panel finds evidence that Matt Gaetz paid tens of thousands of dollars for sex and drugs while serving in Congress. Plus, new reaction this morning over Donald Trump's threat to take back the Panama Canal. Bill Clinton hospitalized. And the lawyer for the suspected CEO killer calls out New York City's mayor over that staged perp walk.
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