On Thursday, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) stated that the former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s (R-Fla.) House Ethics Committee report should remain private, despite mounting calls for its release following Gaetz’s potential appointment to a Trump administration role.
Jordan emphasized on Fox News that, according to the rules, the report was not meant to be made public. “If it’s not supposed to go public under the rules, it shouldn’t go public,” he told Laura Ingraham.
Jordan also praised Gaetz, who was chosen by President-elect Trump on Wednesday to serve as his next attorney general. Later that day, Gaetz resigned from the House. The Florida Republican had been under investigation by the committee for allegations including drug use and sexual misconduct.
Jordan praises Gaetz’s qualifications despite ethics scrutiny and resignation
Although his resignation may trigger further scrutiny, many lawmakers from both parties believe the report should still be released. A source familiar with the matter told The Hill that the committee is expected to meet on Friday to vote on whether to make the report public.
Jordan expressed confidence in Gaetz’s qualifications for the Justice Department, praising his strong cross-examination skills. “I want someone in the DOJ who won’t target parents at school board meetings,” he said. “I want someone who will stand up against the FBI for labeling pro-life Catholics as extremists.”
Jordan also pointed to important issues he hoped Gaetz would tackle, such as uncovering who planted the pipe bombs on January 6, who leaked the Dobbs opinion, and who placed cocaine at the White House. “I want someone who can focus on the real issues,” he added.
Trump’s selection of Gaetz has surprised many on Capitol Hill, with some GOP senators expressing doubts about his confirmation prospects. “He’s got an uphill climb,” said Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa).
Meanwhile, Trump’s allies in the Senate, including Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), have urged their colleagues to support the president’s Cabinet choices. “President Trump was elected with a huge mandate and deserves to have the team he wants,” Tuberville stated on Fox Business Network. “It’s not for us to determine.” When asked about Gaetz’s confirmation as the nation’s next attorney general, Jordan said, “That’s up to the Senate.”
