Mike Johnson faces backlash over claims about Gaetz report release

House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed concern over the potential release of a House Ethics Committee report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, claiming it would set a bad precedent. He requested that the report not be issued before a Senate confirmation hearing. Former Republican National Committee chair Michael Steele challenged Johnson's claims on MSNBC, stating that releasing such reports has occurred in the past when members have left the House. Steele emphasized that the Ethics Committee has the authority to decide on the report's release. The discussion highlighted a disagreement over the handling of the report, with Johnson arguing against its release and Steele asserting that it is within the committee's power to make it public.