Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) ) joined Senate Judiciary Democrats in a letter to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray requesting that the FBI provide to the Senate Judiciary Committee the complete evidentiary file, including documents memorializing interviews, in the closed investigation of former Congressman Matt Gaetz’s alleged sex trafficking of minors. The letter follows President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement of his intention to nominate Mr. Gaetz to serve as Attorney General.
The Senators wrote, “We request that you provide to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary the complete evidentiary file, including all FD-302 forms memorializing interviews, in the closed investigation of former Congressman Matt Gaetz’s alleged sex trafficking of minors. As you are aware, President-elect Trump has announced his intent to nominate Mr. Gaetz to be Attorney General. The Senate has a constitutional duty to provide advice and consent on presidential nominees, and it is crucial that we review all the information necessary to fulfill this duty as we consider Mr. Gaetz’s nomination.”
Their letter continued, “The grave public allegations against Mr. Gaetz speak directly to his fitness to serve as the chief law enforcement officer for the federal government. The unanswered questions regarding Mr. Gaetz’s alleged conduct are particularly significant given that his associate, Joel Greenberg, pleaded guilty to the sex trafficking charge for which Mr. Gaetz was also investigated.”
There is substantial precedent for providing such materials to Congress. In fact, during a February 6, 2002, House Committee on Government Reform hearing into impropriety within the confidential informant program at the FBI Boston Regional Office, Dan Bryant, the then-Department of Justice’s Assistant Attorney General for Legislative Affairs, acknowledged dozens of prior instances of deliberative documents relating to open and closed investigations being shared with Congress. Since then, the FBI has continued to produce materials concerning both open and closed investigations—such as testimony, memos, communications, and FD-302s—to both chambers of Congress.
The Senators’ letter concludes, “In order for the Senate to perform its constitutional duty in this instance, we must be able to thoroughly review all relevant materials that speak to the credibility of these serious allegations against Mr. Gaetz.”
The letter was led by Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and signed by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA).
To read the full text of the letter, click here.
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In a recent development in the ongoing investigation into Congressman Matt Gaetz, Senator Cory Booker has requested that the FBI provide the full evidentiary file related to the case. This request comes as Gaetz faces allegations of sex trafficking and other serious charges, which have rocked the political world and raised questions about his future in office.
Booker, a Democratic senator from New Jersey, made the request in a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, asking for all documents, reports, and evidence related to the investigation into Gaetz. The senator emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in such high-profile cases, especially when they involve allegations of criminal behavior by elected officials.
The FBI has been tight-lipped about the details of the investigation, citing the need to protect the integrity of the probe and avoid compromising any potential legal proceedings. However, Booker’s request signals a growing demand for more information about the case and a desire for greater transparency from law enforcement agencies.
The allegations against Gaetz first came to light in March when it was reported that he was being investigated for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and paying for her to travel with him. Since then, more details have emerged, including reports of possible extortion attempts and other questionable behavior by the congressman.
Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to fight the allegations, calling them part of a “smear campaign” against him. He has also claimed that he is the victim of a political witch hunt and has accused his critics of trying to destroy his reputation and career.
Despite Gaetz’s protestations of innocence, the investigation into his conduct continues, with federal prosecutors reportedly looking into possible sex trafficking violations and other criminal offenses. The full evidentiary file requested by Senator Booker could shed more light on the details of the case and provide a clearer picture of the evidence against Gaetz.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what impact it will have on Gaetz’s political career and whether he will face any criminal charges. In the meantime, calls for transparency and accountability in the handling of the case are likely to grow louder, as lawmakers and the public seek answers about the allegations against one of their own.
