The ethics panel, which becomes chair of rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.), Released his findings Friday.
The case stems from an incident in February 2019, when on the eve of Michael Cohen’s testimony before Congress, Gaetz promised to release embarrassing information about allegations of Cohen’s infidelity. The tweet caused immediate backlash on Capitol Hill, with Democrats accusing Gaetz of witnessing tampering.
‘Do your wife and father-in-law know about your girlfriends? Maybe tonight would be a good time for that conversation, “Gaetz wrote. ‘I wonder if she’s staying true to you in prison. She is about to learn a lot. ”
Gaetz deleted the tweet and apologized, but he blew out an initial review of the complaint. However, after the Ethics House Commission opened a formal inquiry into his conduct, Gaetz participated in the probe; he testified that he was not comfortable with the language he used, acknowledged that he was acting wrongly and said he was sorry for his actions.
The report also pointed to the Florida Bar – which also began an investigation into Gaetz’s tweet – found the post “unprofessional, reckless, absurd, and [that it] demonstrated poor judgment, ”but did not state that his conduct warned of any disciplinary action.
“The ISC, along with Representative Gaetz and the Florida Bar Grievance Committee, in finding Representative Gaetz’s tweet to Mr. Cohen did not meet the standards by which members of the House should govern themselves and recommended that the Committee call on Representative Gaetz for his behavior and bearing, ”the report explains.
