ST. PAUL, Min. – The Minnesota DFL Party is calling on Republican members of Congress to adopt a ethics report on former Florida GOP Congressman Matt Gaetz.
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he will do so Gaetz to be his attorney generalwhich made him head of the US Department of Justice.
Gaetz resigned from the House of Representatives hours later, and just two days before a House panel was scheduled to issue a report allegations of sex trafficking and sexual misconduct against him. Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
In a statement released Thursday, DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin said two Minnesota Republican Party lawmakers: Majority Whip Tom Emmerthe third highest ranking member of the House of Representatives, and Representative Michelle Fischbachwho serves on the House of Representatives Ethics Committee – have a “unique position” in releasing the report.
“The fact that Gaetz’s abrupt resignation two days before the ethics report was to be released raises serious concerns about what the report would say,” Martin said. “If Minnesota Republicans are confident that Matt Gaetz has the character needed to be attorney general, they should prove it by releasing this report.”
Olivier Douliery/AP
Martin also highlighted one X message that Emmer congratulated Gaetz on the nomination. He is the only Minnesota delegation member who has made any comment on the issue.
Representative Brad Finstad has not made any statement on Trump’s nominations as of Friday morning. On Tuesday, Rep. Pete Stauber congratulated Tom Homan on his appointment as ‘border czar’ and on Wednesday Fischbach congratulated Emmer and fellow House Republicans Mike Johnson, Lisa McClain and Steve Scalise on their re-elections.
In February 2023, the Justice Department declined to file charges against Gaetz in connection with allegations of sex trafficking and subsequent obstruction of the investigation.
Gaetz likely faces a tough confirmation process in the U.S. Senate as many lawmakers, including several Republicans, have publicly stated they were surprised by his nomination to head the nation’s law enforcement.
“This one wasn’t on my bingo card,” said Alaska GOP Senator Lisa Murkowski. “I don’t think this is a serious nomination for attorney general. We need a serious attorney general.”
Sources tell CBS News it’s possible Gaetz could bypass the need for Senate confirmation if both chambers “recede shortly after Inauguration Day,” which would lead to a temporary recess appointment.
WCCO has reached out to the Minnesota GOP for comment and is awaiting a response.
