NEW: Donald Trump’s “Friend” and Former AG Pick Matt Gaetz Likely Violated Statutory Rape and Prostitution Laws, per Bipartisan Investigation Arrow

Donald Trump's judge of character is on full display today as his former AG pick Matt Gaetz comes under fire in bipartisan House Ethics report

Reminder: In November, Trump called Gaetz a "Champion for … the Rule of Law"

Whocouldhaveseen thiscoming??

SHOT: Matt Gaetz has been under investigation since 2021, including for alleged illegal drug use and sexual misconduct. That didn't stop Donald Trump from heaping praise on Gaetz and nominating him to be the chief law enforcement officer of the federal government.

Trump: "We must have Honesty, Integrity, and Transparency at DOJ. Under Matt's leadership, all Americans will be proud of the Department of Justice once again."

Trump: "Matt is a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney … He is a Champion for the Constitution and the Rule of Law"

Axios: "[Trump] believes Matt Gaetz is the one person who will have the fearlessness and ferociousness, really, to do what needs doing at the Department of Justice"

Trump yesterday: Matt Gaetz is a "friend" with a "big career set up"

CHASER: Trump's championing of Gaetz has never looked worse after today's House Ethics report determined…

House Ethics Committee: "there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress"

CNN: "House Ethics report finds evidence Matt Gaetz paid thousands for sex and drugs including paying a 17-year-old for sex in 2017"

USA Today: "Matt Gaetz ethics report finds 'substantial evidence' of statutory rape, prostitution"

New York Times: "Ethics Report Accuses Gaetz of Paying for Sex, Including With 17-Year-Old"

Trump now: *Crickets*

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