- The Washington Publish noted Gaetz sought a preemptive presidential pardon in a sexual intercourse trafficking investigation.
- Resources advised WaPo that Johnny McEntee, a White Property official, testified he gained the request from Gaetz.
- A spokesperson for Gaetz explained to Insider the congressman never right questioned Trump for a pardon.
Congressman Matt Gaetz preemptively sought a presidential pardon relating to an ongoing investigation into no matter if he sex trafficked a 17-yr-outdated, according to reporting by The Washington Post.
Sources familiar with the testimony informed The Washington Submit that Johnny McEntee, a staffer in the Donald Trump White Residence, advised the United States House Find Committee on the January 6 Attack he acquired the ask for from Rep. Gaetz close to the time of the siege on the Capitol.
McEntee testified Gaetz advised him he was aware of an investigation becoming introduced into his carry out and that “he did not do anything at all erroneous but they are making an attempt to make his life hell, and you know, if the president could give him a pardon, that would be excellent,” The Washington Post claimed. McEntee also testified Gaetz explained he questioned White Residence Chief of Employees Mark Meadows for a pardon.
The Department of Justice probe into no matter if Gaetz had a sexual romance with an underage lady and compensated her to journey with him was to start with noted in 2021 and continues to be investigated.
Gaetz has not been charged with any criminal offense and has persistently denied any wrongdoing.
“Congressman Matt Gaetz discussed pardons for many other men and women publicly and privately at the end of President Donald Trump’s 1st term,” a spokesman for Rep. Gaetz explained to Insider in an electronic mail. “As for himself, President Trump tackled this malicious rumor extra than a 12 months in the past stating, ‘Congressman Matt Gaetz has never questioned me for a pardon.’ Rep. Gaetz proceeds to stand by President Trump’s assertion.”
The spokesperson did not reply to inquiries about whether Gaetz denied the discussions about pardons with McEntee or Meadows happened.
The GOP congressman, a person of 20 Republicans to vote towards reauthorizing a sex-trafficking legislation in July, has gained ongoing assistance from previous President Trump relating to the investigation, regardless of Trump’s comments contacting for demise to human traffickers.