Mike Johnson denies consulting Trump on Matt Gaetz ethics report as GOP senators express concerns

Speaker Mike Johnson has denied discussing the House Ethics Committee's report on Matt Gaetz with Donald Trump. Johnson defended his decision to delay the report's release, citing a tradition against investigating non-members, despite pressure from GOP senators for transparency. Gaetz, nominated by Trump for attorney general, resigned just before the report was due, ending the committee's investigation. The report reportedly included testimony about Gaetz's alleged misconduct, raising concerns among Senate Republicans about a difficult confirmation vote. Johnson's close ties with Trump have grown, contrasting with his predecessor Kevin McCarthy. He recently received unanimous support from the GOP conference for his role as House speaker, though some members anticipate potential opposition ahead of the final vote.