Speaker Mike Johnson said today that he would object to the release of a damaging investigative report on the conduct of Matt Gaetz, Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general, calling the move a “terrible breach of protocol.” The House Ethics Committee had planned to vote this week on releasing the report, which focused on allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use. Gaetz resigned from Congress on Wednesday, halting the proceedings.
If the House declines to release the report, it could lead to a constitutional clash between the two chambers. The Senate is charged with vetting and confirming the president’s nominees. Senators in both parties have demanded to see the report.
Some of Trump’s other cabinet picks have faced pushback, including Pete Hegseth, his choice for defense secretary. Some military officials suggested he would be out of his depth running the Pentagon, and Hegseth was the subject of a sexual assault complaint in 2017.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s pick for health secretary, has also faced skepticism from both sides of the aisle. His vow to fight against Big Food could face resistance among Republicans. However, one Democratic governor praised his nomination.
This afternoon, Trump announced that he wanted Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota to be both Interior secretary and “energy czar.” For the latest on the Trump’s nominations, follow our live updates.
In other politics news:
Iran insisted to the U.S. that it’s not trying to kill Trump.
Republicans have control of the House, but their narrow hold could pose major difficulties.
Trump has vowed to end a program that allows thousands of Ukrainians, Venezuelans and Haitians to stay in the U.S.
Luzerne County is one of many Pennsylvania counties that shifted to the right. Here’s what it’s like there.
Polls anticipated Trump’s gains among Hispanic, Black and big-city voters.
Kamala Harris was unable to neutralize immigration as a campaign issue. Here’s why.