Summary
The House Ethics Committee has expanded access to its report on Matt Gaetz, recently nominated for attorney general by Trump.
The report details allegations of sexual abuse and drug use, including claims Gaetz paid women for sex and had relations with a minor, which he denies.
While House Speaker Mike Johnson seeks to block public release, some Republicans demand transparency due to Gaetz’s nomination.
The Justice Department previously investigated similar allegations but declined to press charges.
Senate confirmation hearings are expected to intensify scrutiny.
That’s the goal, imo. Which Republican politician will accept a clearly unacceptable pick? Who will bend the knee? If you oppose Trump’s pick, you’re being primaried (or worst in the long term)
Tuberville, for one
This is one of Trump’s humiliation rituals, this time for Senators. They’ll either accept and participate in the ritual, or Trump will run them out of the party.
Part of this will be tempered by the fact that a lot of these will go through the recess appointment process. The Senate won’t be able to prevent this even if they wanted to. It’s up to Johnson or whoever ends up being speaker of the House.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/11/trump-cabinet-recess-appointment-senate/680697/