What's happened
Matt Gaetz's resignation from Congress on November 13, 2024, effectively halts an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. His departure follows President-elect Trump's nomination of Gaetz for Attorney General, raising questions about the future of the Ethics Committee's report, which was expected to be damaging to Gaetz's reputation.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Axios, Gaetz's resignation effectively ends the Ethics Committee's investigation, which was looking into serious allegations including sex trafficking and drug use. The Independent highlights that Gaetz's departure was timed just before the committee was set to release a damaging report, raising suspicions about his motives. The New York Times notes that Gaetz's resignation complicates the Republican majority's dynamics in the House, as they are now down one seat. Meanwhile, Business Insider UK points out that even within the Republican Party, there is significant skepticism about Gaetz's nomination, with some GOP lawmakers expressing surprise and concern over his past actions.
How we got here
Gaetz's resignation came just days before the House Ethics Committee was set to release a report detailing allegations against him, including sexual misconduct and illicit drug use. His nomination by Trump for Attorney General has intensified scrutiny over his past conduct and the stalled investigation.
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