Democratic Ethics Committee Member Identified as Source of Gaetz Report Leak

Democratic Leaks and Ethical Breaches

Democratic Rep. Susan Wild, who holds a key position on the House Ethics Committee, has been identified as the source of leaked information regarding the investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz. This shocking news comes after months of speculation and raises serious questions about how the Ethics Committee operates.

Background on the Gaetz Investigation

The Ethics Committee began its investigation based on allegations of sexual misconduct against Gaetz. Before he resigned from Congress in late 2024, there were plans to release a potentially damaging report. Once Gaetz stepped down, the committee lost its power over him. However, that didn’t stop some details from finding their way into the media. These leaks were perfectly timed with a wave of negative press aimed at Gaetz, a close supporter of President-elect Trump.

Whistleblower: Rep. Susan Wild

Reports suggest that sources within the Ethics Committee traced the leaks back to Rep. Wild herself, who later admitted to her role in this scandal. Her absence from a recent critical meeting raised eyebrows and added fuel to the fire of suspicion. Jed Ober, her Chief of Staff, claimed she missed the meeting out of frustration regarding the handling of the report. He stated, “Rep. Wild was frustrated by the manner in which the report was handled and didn’t feel it was fruitful to participate in any further meetings on its ‘potential’ release. Characterizing it as anything more is inaccurate.”

The Fallout from Wild’s Actions

This leak has ignited fierce backlash and prompted serious questions about the integrity of the Ethics Committee, which is expected to keep matters confidential. While it’s still unclear what specific information was leaked and to whom, the selective release of parts of the Gaetz report points toward a calculated attempt to harm his reputation even after his departure from Congress.

Gaetz’s Stance on Allegations

Gaetz, who resigned after withdrawing his nomination for U.S. Attorney General, has consistently claimed that these investigations are nothing more than politically motivated attacks. The Biden Department of Justice had already dropped its investigation into him earlier in February 2023, clearing his name. Nonetheless, the Ethics Committee reopened these allegations just as Gaetz was involved in a high-profile dispute with then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Implications for Susan Wild and Congressional Ethics

Wild’s involvement in these leaks casts a shadow over her final days in Congress as she prepares to leave her position at year’s end. It’s still uncertain if she will take part in any upcoming Ethics Committee meetings before she departs. Meanwhile, Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) stepped in as acting ranking member during last week’s meeting.

The Ongoing Impact of Ethical Breaches

Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS), who chairs the committee, reassured reporters that there’s still work to be done. This suggests that both Wild’s leak and the investigation into Gaetz are far from concluded. The breach of trust has only intensified partisan tensions in Washington, where ethics investigations are often weaponized for political gain.