Rep. Matt Gaetz being investigated by Florida bar over threatening tweet about Michael Cohen: report

Gaetz's tweet appeared to be a blatant attempt at witness intimidation, which is a federal crime, per legal experts

Published February 27, 2019 5:25PM (EST)

U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (Getty/Alex Wong)
U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (Getty/Alex Wong)

This article originally appeared on AlterNet.
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Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, a lawyer, is being investigated by his state’s bar association for a tweet he sent to President Donald Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen Tuesday ahead of his testimony before the House Oversight Committee, according to the Daily Beast.

That tweet, which alleged that Cohen had “girlfriends” and had cheated on his wife, appeared to be a blatant attempt at witness intimidation — a federal crime — according to multiple legal experts.

“Hey @MichaelCohen212 – Do your wife & father-in-law know about your girlfriends?” Gaetz wrote in a now-deleted tweet. “Maybe tonight would be a good time for that chat. I wonder if she’ll remain faithful when you’re in prison. She’s about to learn a lot…”

After the congressman came under fire, including from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, he apologized to the California Democrat and took down the tweet.

The Beast reported that a representative for the bar association confirmed it had opened the investigation to determine whether Gaetz’s comments violated its professional conduct rules after a public complaint was filed.

Gaetz told the Beast he was unaware of the investigation.


By Cody Fenwick

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