Ethics Committee Leak Draws Attention Amid Gaetz Controversy

Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA) has admitted to leaking confidential details from an incomplete ethics report concerning former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL). The leaked information emerged during Gaetz’s bid to become attorney general, fueling debates about partisanship and transparency within the House Ethics Committee.

The committee had been deadlocked on whether to release the findings, resulting in the report remaining private. Despite this, sections of the investigation reached the media, with sources pointing to Wild as the source. She later acknowledged her involvement in the leak.

Wild was absent from a key committee meeting last week, where Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) served as acting ranking member. Her office stated the absence was due to frustration with how the Gaetz case was handled, denying suggestions that it related to her role in the leak.

The timing of the leak coincided with Gaetz’s contentious nomination for attorney general, a move that faced opposition from Senate Republicans. Gaetz ultimately withdrew his candidacy after failing to secure enough support.

Committee Chair Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS) has not commented on whether Wild will continue participating in the panel’s work. Wild, who lost her re-election bid, will leave Congress at the end of the year.

The incident has raised concerns about the Ethics Committee’s ability to handle sensitive investigations impartially. Critics argue that political motivations could undermine trust in the committee’s work, highlighting the need for stricter safeguards against leaks.