Democrat raises Gaetz case to counter GOP ‘weaponization’ claims

Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) pushed back on conservatives’ accusations of weaponization of the Justice Department during Attorney General Merrick Garland’s Wednesday testimony before the House Judiciary Committee.

While questioning Garland, Cohen asked about a previous investigation into fellow House Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) related to allegations of sex trafficking in an attempt to push back on conservatives’ claims. In February, the Department of Justice (DOJ) decided not to charge Gaetz in the investigation.

“Wasn’t there an investigation of Mr. Gates and you didn’t prosecute him?” Cohen asked Garland.

Garland responded by saying the Justice Department doesn’t comment on investigations.

Gatez’s Justice Department investigation had its foundations in allegations that the Florida congressman had a relationship with a 17-year-old. The DOJ looked into whether Gaetz violated any sex trafficking laws in paying her to travel with him, including across state lines.

The Florida congressman has denied the allegations.

Republicans have accused Garland and the DOJ of being biased against them. Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has even floated an impeachment inquiry into Garland over the “weaponization” of the Justice Department.

Cohen also went on to ask Garland about the potential effects a possible government shutdown at the end of the month could have on the DOJ. Garland said he has not “done a complete calculation on the effects of a shutdown.”

“It will certainly disrupt all of our normal programs, including our grant programs to state and local law enforcement, and to our ability to conduct our normal efforts with respect to the entire scope of our activities,” Garland said.