Gaetz Announces Bill To Defund Trump Investigation
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is set to introduce legislation aiming to defund the investigations led by Special Counsel Jack Smith into former President Donald Trump. Gaetz announced this bold move on his podcast this week, declaring it necessary to counter what he perceives as election interference. This comes at a crucial time as Trump faces allegations over mishandling classified documents and an ongoing January 6 probe.
“America, this is an attack on our democracy,” Gaetz said on his Firebrand podcast. “The United States Congress must stop this interference, and we must act now!”
Gaetz’s proposed bill confronts head-on the Special Counsel’s current investigation. Jack Smith, appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022, has spearheaded inquiries into Trump’s alleged involvement in the Capitol riot and potential attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump, already dealing with charges related to mishandled classified documents, recently stated he had received a target letter, suggesting a second federal indictment is forthcoming.
The Gaetz bill introduction appears to answer the lack of transparency the Florida Republican perceives from the Department of Justice (DOJ). Despite acknowledging that President Joe Biden’s signature would be unlikely, Gaetz believes such a bill is essential to let lawmakers voice their stance. “You deserve to know where your members of Congress stand,” Gaetz said.
The proposed legislation signals frustration within certain quarters of Congress over the Smith-led Trump investigations. Gaetz’s concerns over transparency extend to the Department of Justice’s apparent unresponsiveness to requests for information regarding the investigation.
Gaetz, a member of the Judiciary Committee, has previously demanded access to records from Smith’s office, including staff and phone lists. However, these requests have been met with silence. “I just want to know who’s on the Jack Smith team,” Gaetz said.
Gaetz’s proposal also illustrates the desire to exercise Congress’s “power of the purse,” using budget control to check the perceived overreach of the Department of Justice. This legislative move, if passed, would mark a significant shift in the power dynamics between Congress and the DOJ.
Whether or not Gaetz’s proposal sees light, it has undoubtedly struck a chord among conservatives, echoing concerns over investigations seen by some as politically motivated. As this battle unfolds, Gaetz’s commitment to Trump’s cause will be one to watch in the coming days.
Trump has referred to the investigations as a “witch hunt” and alleged election interference. The proposed bill by Gaetz will fuel an already fiery debate over the legitimacy of the ongoing investigations into the former president.
Meanwhile, Gaetz’s final words on his podcast ring as a challenge to his fellow lawmakers: “Will they co-sponsor my legislation? I certainly hope they will.”
