Gaetz Resigns From Congress Amid Ethics Probe and AG Nomination

In a surprising twist, Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz announced his resignation from Congress on Wednesday, just hours after President-elect Donald Trump revealed his intention to nominate the Florida lawmaker as Attorney General. Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed the resignation, describing it as abrupt and unexpected.

“He issued his resignation letter effective immediately from Congress. That caught us by surprise a little bit,” Johnson told reporters during a Wednesday night press conference.

While Gaetz’s resignation appears to pave the way for his role in Trump’s administration, speculation is rife that the timing may be linked to an impending House Ethics Committee report. The report allegedly includes serious allegations against Gaetz, including claims of sexual misconduct involving a minor, accusations he has consistently denied.

Gaetz’s decision was the hot topic in Republican circles on Wednesday. According to Johnson, Gaetz explained his swift resignation by citing the need for Florida to quickly fill his congressional seat should he be confirmed as Attorney General. “He knows how long it takes to fill a vacant seat, and his early resignation could help ensure Florida is ready by Jan. 3 when the House elects a new Speaker,” Johnson explained.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has yet to comment on when a special election will be scheduled, but legal deadlines may prevent a replacement from taking office before the new Congress convenes in January.

While Gaetz’s resignation is framed as a practical step to prepare for his new role, some GOP colleagues suspect it’s more about dodging a damaging Ethics Committee report. The committee’s probe has been investigating several allegations against Gaetz, including claims of sexual misconduct and improper use of campaign funds.

One anonymous Republican lawmaker suggested Gaetz was trying to “stymie the ethics investigation that is coming out in one week.”

Michael Guest, Chair of the House Ethics Committee, confirmed that Gaetz’s departure would effectively end the investigation. “If Matt Gaetz is still a member of Congress, our findings will be released. If he resigns, this investigation, like many others before it, will conclude without formal resolution,” Guest stated.

Without Gaetz in Congress, the report is unlikely to be formally released. However, leaks are still possible, which could continue to fuel public scrutiny.

Trump’s nomination of Gaetz as Attorney General has already drawn sharp criticism, even from within the GOP. Several Republican senators have expressed doubts about his ability to secure confirmation, citing his polarizing reputation and the lingering ethics concerns.

Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) was particularly blunt, saying, “I don’t think Matt cares if he gets confirmed. Everybody is talking about him, and for Matt, that’s a win.” Miller likened Gaetz’s behavior in Congress to “a six-year-old with a loaded revolver and a happy trigger finger.”

Despite the backlash, Trump remains committed to Gaetz’s nomination, praising his legal mind and loyalty to the MAGA movement. Gaetz, for his part, has not publicly commented on whether he expects to clear the Senate confirmation process.

Gaetz has long been a divisive figure within his own party. Known as the architect of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s ouster, his confrontational style has made him both a conservative firebrand and a lightning rod for criticism.

Some Republicans privately welcomed his resignation, viewing it as an opportunity to move past the internal strife that has plagued the party since McCarthy’s removal. “A lot of us are breathing a sigh of relief,” said one anonymous GOP lawmaker.

As Gaetz prepares for a potential role as Attorney General, his political future remains uncertain. Even if he fails to secure Senate confirmation, his resignation from Congress could position him for another high-profile role in Trump’s administration.

For now, Gaetz remains a central figure in the GOP’s ongoing drama, with his exit raising as many questions as it answers. Whether his resignation marks the end of his congressional career or the beginning of a new chapter in the Trump administration, Gaetz continues to dominate the headlines.

Only time will tell whether his gamble will pay off—or if the shadow of the ethics probe will follow him into his next role.