Matt Gaetz asked for pardon from Trump over sexual intercourse trafficking scandal: Report

Misty Severi

September 17, 04:01 PM September 17, 04:01 PM

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) was allegedly in search of a preemptive pardon from former President Donald Trump for a Justice Section investigation into whether or not the congressman violated federal sex rules, a previous White Dwelling aide testified.

Gaetz explained to John McEntee, who served as the director of the White Dwelling Presidential Personnel Workplace in the Trump administration, that he had asked Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows for a pardon just after he discovered that an investigation into him was introduced, McEntee testified to the Dwelling of Representative select committee investigating the activities of Jan. 6.

McEntee included that Gaetz advised him “he did not do everything incorrect but they are attempting to make his daily life hell, and you know, if the president could give him a pardon, that would be wonderful," sources who have read the testimony instructed the Washington Publish.

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Despite the fact that Gaetz did not particularly notify McEntee that it was linked to the DOJ's investigation, McEntee stated he believed that was the context of the statements.

The Justice Office was investigating whether or not Gaetz compensated for gals to journey across state lines for sex, no matter whether he experienced paid for intercourse at all, and irrespective of whether he experienced a sexual relationship with a minor who was 17. Gaetz has denied all allegations, indicating the previous time he had a sexual partnership with somebody who was 17 was when he was also 17.

McEntee reported that he had only spoken with Gaetz about pardons at the time, but could not remember if it was right before or immediately after the gatherings of Jan. 6. Gaetz had supported wide preemptive pardons for persons in the Trump administration at the stop of Trump's phrase in 2020.

A spokesperson for the congressman explained to the Washington Write-up that Gaetz has never ever questioned Trump for a pardon, but did not comment on no matter whether he asked Meadows for one.

“Congressman Matt Gaetz talked over pardons for many other people today publicly and privately at the conclusion of President Donald Trump’s first term,” the spokesperson said. “As for himself, President Trump tackled this destructive rumor a lot more than a 12 months in the past stating, ‘Congressman Matt Gaetz has hardly ever requested me for a pardon.’ Rep. Gaetz proceeds to stand by President Trump’s statement.”

The congressman from Florida has not been charged, but just one of his associates pleaded responsible last spring to 6 legal prices, 1 of which concerned the intercourse trafficking of a minor.