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First GOP lawmakers calls for Gaetz’s resignation

Published

3 years ago

April 9, 2021

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The first congressional Republican has called for the resignation of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), whom the Justice Department is investigating for alleged sex with a minor and possibly violating federal sex trafficking laws.

On Thursday night, Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R) tweeted: “Matt Gaetz needs to resign.” His tweet shared a Daily Beast report that Gaetz had paid alleged sex trafficker Joel Greenberg, an associate of his, $900, which Greenberg sent hours later to three teenage girls. Greenberg, who is facing dozens of charges, is reportedly expected to strike a plea deal with federal prosecutors in his criminal case.

Kinzinger, who’s served in the House since 2011, has made a name for himself more recently for not being afraid to go after fellow Republicans when he feels they need to be held accountable. Notably, he was one of 10 House GOP lawmakers to vote in favor of impeaching former President Donald Trump shortly following the January 6 Capitol riot. The Illinois Republican also voted to strip GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.) of her committee assignments back in February.

Last week, The New York Times was the first to report that the Justice Department was investigating Gaetz over allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and paying for her travel. The Florida Republican has repeatedly denied the allegations, saying he’s “absolutely not resigning.”

MORE ON REP. GAETZ: ‘Women’ of Gaetz’s office sign letter defending congressman

Significantly, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has said that Republicans would support stripping Gaetz of his committee assignments if these allegations are proven to be true.

“Those are serious implications. If it comes out to be true, yes, we would remove him if that’s the case,” McCarthy told Fox News last week. “But right now Matt Gaetz says that it’s not true and we don’t have any information. So let’s get all the information.”

MORE ON REP. GAETZ: Fmr. Gaetz staffer says FBI agents questioned him with ‘baseless claim’

In the wake of last week’s revelations from The Times, new sex-related allegations against Gaetz have arisen.

Thursday last week, CNN, citing multiple sources, reported that the vocal Trump ally would allegedly show fellow lawmakers—even while on the House floor—photos and videos of women he had sex with. Gaetz has denied this.

A female GOP insider also reportedly told Business Insider in a piece last Friday that when Gaetz used to serve in the Florida statehouse, he and other lawmakers would play a “sex challenge” game, something which had been previously reported in lesser detail.

You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @DouglasPBraff.

Featured

Historic House Vote Expels Rep. George Santos Amidst Scandal

Published

10 hours ago

December 1, 2023

Alexander Carter

In a turn of events, the House of Representatives made history on Friday with a vote to expel Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), marking the first such expulsion in over two decades. A moment fraught with gravity unfolded as Speaker Mike Johnson wielded his gavel to formalize Santos’ removal, setting a precedent in congressional annals.

Santos, indicted on 23 counts related to wire fraud, identity theft, and other charges, has not faced conviction but stands accused of misusing campaign funds for opulent purchases. The bipartisan vote, tallying 311 to 114, signaled robust support for expulsion, with a marginally higher number of Republicans opting to retain Santos.

Questions loomed as Speaker Johnson left the chamber, his silence leaving the fate of the ongoing government spending battle uncertain. According to reports from Fox News, Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer emphasized the non-partisan nature of the decision, asserting that members concluded Santos had tarnished the House’s reputation and was unfit for representation.

Within the GOP, conflicting opinions emerged, with Rep. Darrell Issa arguing against expulsion, citing the presumption of innocence. The tight-lipped stance of the House Ethics Committee played a pivotal role in the deliberations.

Conversely, members of the New York Republican delegation, led by Rep. Marc Molinaro, asserted Santos’ commission of crimes, justifying expulsion based on a comprehensive investigation.

Santos himself predicted the outcome in an exclusive morning interview on “FOX & Friends.” This vote not only underlines the House’s rare use of expulsion powers but also sets a critical precedent in handling members facing severe legal challenges.