Staff Reports
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is under fire once again, this time from the House Ethics Committee, which has reportedly ramped up its investigation into the controversial Florida Republican. Following the recent expulsion of former New York Rep. George Santos, Gaetz is now using the situation to his advantage by fundraising off the possibility that the House might come after him next. In a fiery fundraising email obtained by the Washington Examiner, Gaetz accuses “Swamp dwellers” and “RINOs” of plotting to expel him from Congress, claiming that they are willing to sell out America to protect their own interests. With the investigation still ongoing and the possibility of expulsion looming, Gaetz is rallying his supporters and making it clear that he’s not going down without a fight.
.@RepMattGaetz fundraises off the possibility that the House will expel him like Santos https://t.co/kR6NgBx424 https://t.co/kR6NgBx424
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 21, 2023
The fundraising email comes on the heels of reports that the House Ethics Committee has stepped up its probe into Gaetz, who has been embroiled in a multitude of allegations, including sexual misconduct, drug use, and misuse of campaign funds. Despite the mounting pressure, Gaetz has remained defiant, adamantly denying all the allegations against him. He has even brushed off the committee’s intensified investigation, expressing confidence and telling reporters, “I wish them luck.” Gaetz’s spokesperson, when asked for comment, pointed to an online petition calling for his expulsion from Congress as evidence that people are looking for any excuse to remove him.
Gaetz has been at the center of controversy throughout the year, from his opposition to certain bills to his efforts to block a bipartisan debt ceiling deal. He even led the charge to oust Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from the speakership, a move that ruffled feathers within the House. Many members viewed Gaetz’s actions as driven by a personal vendetta, particularly in light of the ethics investigation. Although Gaetz has cited policy differences and a lack of trust in McCarthy’s leadership, the House speaker and others have suggested that the ethics complaint against Gaetz is the real motivation behind his actions.
Despite facing scrutiny and backlash from his own party, Gaetz has continued to stand his ground, refusing to back down in the face of mounting pressure from his political opponents. With the investigation into his conduct ongoing and the prospect of expulsion looming, Gaetz remains defiant, rallying his supporters and making it clear that he won’t be intimidated. Whether he’ll emerge unscathed from this latest controversy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – Gaetz isn’t going down without a fight.
