WASHINGTON – Rep. Matt Gaetz (R., Fla.) Said Friday he would not resign in the face of growing pressure from reports the FBI has been investigating him since last summer, in part about whether he violated federal sex trafficking laws.
“Of course not,” Gaetz said in a text message Friday, asking if he would step down. He declined to say more, citing Good Friday. His lawyer also said Mr Gaetz would not step down.
With the House in recess, members have been largely silent on Mr Gaetz since minority leader Kevin McCarthy (R., California) earlier this week referred to “serious implications” in relation to the investigation. of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. But in the state capital of Tallahassee, Republicans were already debating who would replace Mr. Gaetz, people familiar with the talks said.
“His political brothers are already playing to occupy his seat,” former Florida Rep. David Jolly said. “They’re not isolating him, they’re already assuming Matt’s political career is over.”
“These scandals get to a certain point where there is no leak,” Jolly said. “We’ve clearly reached that point for Matt in Florida politics.”