House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that Florida Republican Matt Gaetz has resigned from Congress "effective immediately."
On Wednesday, President-elect Donald Trump's appointed Gaetz (R-Fla.) as his attorney general. It came as a surprise to some members of his party and was met with disapproval by others.
Gaetz, 42 has been a loyal supporter of the 45th president and has been trying to influence the administration choices being made at Mar-a-Lago.
He also supported Trump at his New York trial.
Matt Gaetz Photo by Gage Skidmore
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that Gaetz resigned from Congress “effective immediately” soon after Trump’s shock announcement, which came reportedly before a Friday vote on whether to release a House Ethics Committee report related to allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use involving the now former congressman.
According to the Post, Gaetz’s resignation will end the investigation that was initiated in April 2021, over allegations that the congressman engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts, dispensed special privileges and favors to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship, and sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct.
Since Gaetz has resigned, the panel is no longer able to continue with the investigation.
Gaetz has strongly refuted any allegations of misconduct.
Upon learning of Gaetz's appointment, moderate Senate Republicans were irritated, and during a meeting on Capitol Hill, some House GOP members burst into laughter, as revealed by a source to The Post.
According to other sources who spoke to The Hill and Politico, some individuals gasped while one person was observed laughing uncontrollably to the point of tears during a meeting where members were choosing their leadership team for the 119th Congress.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) told reporters that the selection of Gaetz was “not on my bingo card.”
“We need a serious attorney general,” she said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to consider somebody that is serious.”
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) told CNN that while “I completely trust President Trump’s decision-making on this one,” Gaetz had to “come to the Senate and sell himself.”
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) told Spectrum News 13 that he is “fiercely loyal and competent” and “will turn that into being the most powerful attorney general in American history.”
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) told reporters that Trump didn’t need Senate Republicans’ help to confirm Gaetz and could directly install the Floridian via a “recess appointment.”
Trump said, “Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans’ badly shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department.”