OF THE
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A former staffer for Rep. Matt Gaetz held a press conference to diminish media rumors - which resulted in a visit with the Federal Bureau of Investigation - that he was aware of allegations the Florida congressman engaged in illegal activity.This would also seem to be payback for Gaetz calling out Robert Mueller on his bogus Russian Collusion investigation:
"Nothing could be further from the truth. Neither I nor any member of his staff had knowledge of illegal activities," Nathan Nelson said at the April 5th press conference in Florida.
Despite members on the media contacting him to claim his departure from the office was linked to Rep. Gaetz's federal investigation, Nelson insisted the idea was "baseless," adding he had planned to leave his position before the investigation and extortion plot became public knowledge. These media rumors led to two Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents questioning him at his house over Gaetz's alleged involvement in illegal activities, which the sources spun as the impetus for Nelson's resignation.
"Mr. Nelson said that because facts surrounding his departure were falsely reported, he believes the claims against Mr. Gaetz are also untrue," The Washington Times added.
"This baseless claim against me leaves me further convinced that the allegations against Congressman Gaetz are likewise fabricated and an attempt to discredit a vocal conservative," Nelson concluded.
In response to CNBC's report on Nelson's remarks, Gaetz slammed the FBI, claiming the agency is "literally running down false media rumors."Watch this interview with Gaetz as he describes the extortion attempt that was made to keep this story "quiet":
"Sound familiar?" Gaetz added. He and other Republicans have in recent years accused government agencies and officials of bias against conservatives. Gaetz in 2019 accused special counsel Robert Mueller, who led the investigation of Russian interference and potential collusion with Trump's campaign in the 2016 election, of trying to "stop Trump." That investigation, which found insufficient evidence to conclude Trump-Russia collusion, has since become a potent symbol for Republicans who feel targeted by government institutions
The FBI did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.
BTW: I could have punched that up for you. You can find me here.
R.C.