'Fantastic coup de grace': Internet glad as Ethics Committee expands probe into Rep Matt Gaetz amidst allegations of sex crimes

WASHINGTON, DC: The House Ethics Committee's inquiry into Representative Matt Gaetz has taken a new turn as investigators have apparently reached out to a woman alleged to have had sexual relations with Gaetz when she was a 17-year-old minor, according to a source familiar with the committee's work.

The latest development indicates an expansion of the GOP-led committee's investigation, now encompassing allegations of sex crimes against the Florida Republican.

Additionally, sources have revealed to CNN that the committee has sought materials from the Justice Department related to its prior investigation into Gaetz, which included accusations of lobbying violations, sex trafficking, and potential obstruction of justice.

The federal probe concluded in 2023 with no charges brought against the congressman, even though it involved allegations of him having sex with a minor.

Gaetz denies wrongdoing

Gaetz, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, including engaging in sexual activities with a minor or paying for sex, responded to CNN, stating, "Those allegations were not true, have never been true, and the people who spread those lies have been exposed, indicted, and imprisoned."

The Ethics Committee's outreach to the woman and the Justice Department is part of a broader surge in activity within the investigation. The committee, now under Republican leadership, has initiated interviews with multiple witnesses and started witness interviews, marking a notable increase in activity since the probe's initiation by House Democrats in 2021.

Gaetz, known for leading the charge against former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, privately blames him for the renewed investigation under the California Republican's leadership.

McCarthy, in turn, has refuted these claims, attributing Gaetz's efforts to oust him to the ongoing ethics probe. McCarthy stated, "It’s driven by Gaetz, and it was all based upon an ethics complaint that happened in the last Congress. He would throw his country away to try to protect himself for what would come out as the truth."

The Justice Department, according to Norman Eisen, who served as counsel to House Democrats during former President Donald Trump's first impeachment, is not obligated to comply with a voluntary request from the House Ethics Committee.

“If a request seems merited, as part of the usual accommodation process between the legislative and executive branches, DOJ will sometimes provide some information,” Eisen stated, “but they tend to be withholding of sensitive investigative materials.”

The investigation into Gaetz dates back to late 2020 when the Justice Department, under then-Attorney General Bill Barr, opened an inquiry into allegations of sexual contact with a minor. The probe expanded over the years but concluded last year without charges against the congressman.

Notably, Joel Greenberg, a former Florida tax collector and close associate of Gaetz, pleaded guilty in 2021 to charges related to the allegations against the GOP firebrand.

Social media reactions

Critics of Gaetz on social media celebrated the recent developments.

"Gaetz getting kicked would be such a fantastic coup de grâce to the GOP-controlled house," one posted on X.

"I can’t wait until Matt Gaetz is exposed," another wrote.

"Oh, Matty. You shouldn't have pissed off your own party. You're about to be Cawthorned," someone else chimed in.

"How will MAGA whitewash this," another quipped.