The Speaker of the House of Representatives, a Trump ally, opposes the publication of a report on the future justice minister

The President of the American House of Representatives Mike Johnson persisted on Sunday, November 17, despite pressure, in his opposition to the publication of a parliamentary report on the actions accused of Matt Gaetz, chosen by Donald Trump as Minister of Justice.

Matt Gaetz, elected from Florida to the House of Representatives, resigned Wednesday evening shortly after the announcement of the choice of president-elect, which caused a stir due to the very controversial nature of the character.

His resignation effectively ended the House Ethics Committee's investigation into alleged sexual offenses, including a relationship with a minor that he denies, illegal drug use, embezzlement of campaign funds and various professional misconduct.

“Basic draft”

The Republican president of this assembly, Mr. Johnson, reaffirmed on Sunday that the publication of the report was no longer necessary. But elected officials from both sides are calling for it to at least be transmitted to the Senate, which decides on presidential appointments.

“To my knowledge, this report is not yet finished, it is still in a rough draft and was not ready to be published”he declared on CNN. “Since Matt Gaetz has left Congress, I don't think it would be appropriate to publish it”he continued. “The Senate has a rigorous review and oversight process, but it does not need to rely on a report or a draft report”he also argued.

At the Justice Department, Matt Gaetz “will be a reformer. And I think that's why the establishment in Washington is so upset by this choice.”he also said on Fox News.

An “absolutely” necessary report

Conversely, Adam Schiff, a Democrat elected to the House and one of Donald Trump's fiercest opponents, considered it necessary for the Senate to have access to the conclusions of this commission. “Are we really going to have a Minister of Justice against whom there are credible accusations of involvement in the sexual exploitation of minors, potential illicit drug use and obstruction of an investigation? »asked Mr. Schiff, who has just been elected senator from California, on CNN.

“If the Senate were to confirm his appointment without having seen the report of the ethics commission or were to authorize emergency appointments [sans validation parlementaire] this would amount to abdicating one’s responsibility” constitutional, he stressed. According to him, by such controversial choices, Donald Trump deliberately seeks to “establish that the members of the American Congress do not resist him on anything. If they confirm Matt Gaetz, they will do whatever he wants.”.

A Republican senator, Markwayne Mullin (Oklahoma), also estimated ” absolutely “ necessary that at least the Senate, if not all American citizens, be aware of the report. “I think the Senate should have access to it now”he said on NBC. “We will give Matt Gaetz the same opportunity as any official chosen by President Trump”he assured.

Matt Gaetz is accused of having had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl, which he denies, and was the subject of a federal investigation which ended in a dismissal of the case, he assured in 2023.