Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA) has been identified as the source of leaks related to an ethics investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL). The leaked details emerged during Gaetz’s controversial nomination for attorney general, drawing criticism about the committee’s handling of confidential information.
The Ethics Committee had decided against releasing findings from the probe due to a lack of consensus among its members. However, portions of the report still reached the press, with sources confirming Wild’s role in disseminating the information.
Wild was absent from a recent meeting of the committee, where Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) filled in as acting ranking member. Wild’s office claimed her absence was due to dissatisfaction with the handling of the investigation, dismissing suggestions of disciplinary action.
The leak came as Gaetz faced scrutiny during his nomination process, which ultimately failed due to insufficient support in the Senate. The investigation into Gaetz ended with his departure from Congress, but the leaked details created additional challenges for his candidacy.
Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS), chair of the Ethics Committee, has remained tight-lipped about Wild’s future involvement. Wild, who lost her seat to Republican Ryan Mackenzie, is set to leave Congress by year’s end.
The controversy has sparked broader concerns about the Ethics Committee’s ability to manage confidential information. Observers warn that the misuse of sensitive details for political purposes risks damaging the committee’s credibility.
