GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz might be disbarred for threatening Michael Cohen
The Florida Bar on Wednesday opened an investigation into the tweet posted on Tuesday by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), in which he appeared to threaten Michael Cohen, who is testifying before the House Oversight Committee on his relationship with President Trump, The Tampa Bay Times reports.
"The Florida Bar is aware of the comments made in a tweet yesterday by Rep. Matt Gaetz," a Bar spokeswoman said. "If rules have been violated, the Florida Bar will vigorously pursue appropriate discipline by the Florida Supreme Court."
The tweet — in which Gaetz, a lawyer and member of the Bar, asked, "Hey @MichaelCohen212 - Do your wife & father-in-law know about your girlfriends?" — was seen by many as potential witness tampering, and though Gaetz denied that the message was a threat, he apologized for and deleted the tweet late on Tuesday night. It was addressed in the hearing itself when Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.) said that there "should be a referral to the [House] Ethics Committee of witness intimidation or tampering ... and maybe possibly him being referred for a criminal prosecution." While The New York Times notes that such an investigation seems unlikely, what is certain is that Gaetz probably should have held his fire — or, if he was really curious, ask Cohen himself during a break in Wednesday's proceedings.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jacob Lambert is the art director of TheWeek.com. He was previously an editor at MAD magazine, and has written and illustrated for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Weekly, and The Millions.
-
Mark Menzies: Tories investigate MP after 'bad people' cash claims
Speed Read Fylde MP will sit as an independent while party looks into allegations he misused campaign funds on medical expenses and blackmail pay-out
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
'Another day of chaos in DC'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
6 scenic white water rafting destinations to get your heart racing
The Week Recommends Have a rip-roaring time on the water
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Mark Menzies: Tories investigate MP after 'bad people' cash claims
Speed Read Fylde MP will sit as an independent while party looks into allegations he misused campaign funds on medical expenses and blackmail pay-out
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Why Johnson won't just pass Ukraine aid
Speed Read The House Speaker could have sent $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine — but it would have split his caucus
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Sudan on brink of collapse after a year of war
Speed Read 18 million people face famine as the country continues its bloody downward spiral
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump's first criminal trial starts with jury picks
Speed Read The former president faces charges related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How will Israel respond to Iran's direct attack?
Speed Read Iran’s weekend attack on Israel could escalate into a wider Middle East war
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US, Israel brace for Iran retaliatory strikes
Speed Read An Iranian attack on Israel is believed to be imminent
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Congress honors real-life Rosie the Riveters
Speed Read These American women reshaped the work force during World War II
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Outgunned Ukraine could fall, US general warns
Speed Read Without more US aid, Ukraine is at risk of losing the war
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published