Mike Johnson faces backlash for opposing release of Gaetz ethics report
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan faced backlash for opposing the release of an ethics report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who is under investigation for sexual misconduct and drug abuse. Critics, including Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, called for transparency. Gaetz, who aims to become Attorney General with support from President-elect Donald Trump, has denied allegations made by his former associate, Joel Greenberg, who is in prison for sex trafficking. This situation has raised questions about Johnson's motives, given Gaetz's influence in his rise to leadership. Johnson declined to confirm whether Trump directed him to suppress the report, stating he would not discuss his conversations with Trump. This has led to accusations of a lack of accountability and transparency from Johnson's office, which he previously promised to uphold.