PBS and NPR for Southwest Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Florida Senators Rubio, Scott Say It's Too Soon To Weigh In On Gaetz's Future

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., attends a House Judiciary committee hearing at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, April 14, 2021
J. Scott Applewhite
/
AP
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., attends a House Judiciary committee hearing at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Florida’s two Republican senators are steering clear of voicing support for congressman Matt Gaetz.

Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott both say sex trafficking accusations against their fellow GOP Floridian are serious.

But Rubio and Scott also say it's premature to say what should happen to the three-term congressman.

However, on Wednesday, the No. 2 House Republican says party leaders would “take action” against Gaetz if the Justice Department formally moves ahead with legal action against him.

The remarks by Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise make him the latest of many congressional Republicans who have opted against springing to the defense of the Florida Republican.

Federal agents are investigating Gaetz over allegations that include sex trafficking and sex with a minor, according to two people who spoke on condition of anonymity because they could not discuss details publicly.

Gaetz has denied the accusations and has not been charged with any crimes.

Copyright 2021 WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7. To see more, visit WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7.

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.