The chair of the House Ethics Committee confirmed on Tuesday that Speaker Mike Johnson is not exerting any influence over the panel as it deliberates on whether to disclose a report containing allegations against former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for the position of attorney general.
Rep. Michael Guest stated that when questioned about Speaker Johnson's involvement, he responded that there had been no attempt by Johnson to influence either him or the committee. Guest further emphasized that Johnson's presence would not affect the proceedings of the committee's anticipated meeting scheduled for Wednesday. However, there is a possibility that the meeting may be postponed, as it was last week, according to insider sources.
Speaker Johnson has expressed his intention to 'strongly request' that the committee refrain from releasing the report. Guest informed the press that there is a procedure in place whereby any member has the authority to instruct the committee to disclose its findings through a privileged resolution.
