The Florida Bar sent a stern warning to Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for a tweet he sent earlier this year threatening President Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen.
The grievance committee said it found “no probable cause” that the tweet broke the bar’s rules of conduct, but it said the Republican’s remarks were “unprofessional, reckless, insensitive, and demonstrated poor judgment,” according to the letter.
“While your conduct in this instance did not warrant formal discipline, the grievance committee believes it was not consistent with the high standards of our profession, and in light of the public nature of your comments, your actions do not reflect favorably on you as a member of The Florida Bar,” the letter said.
Gaetz said this weekend he was “pleased” with the decision of the committee. “I crossed the line,” he said. “I walked it back and apologized. No rules were broken.”
A day before Cohen testified to Congress about the president’s alleged conduct, Gaetz sent a tweet asking Trump’s former fixer whether his wife and father-in-law knew about his “girlfriends.” “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” the tweet said.
Gaetz later deleted the tweet and apologized to Cohen.
The committee said Gaetz’s apology was a factor in its decision not to take disciplinary action. “The grievance committee also considered Mr. Cohen’s reply to your apology and his willingness to assist you as a mitigating factor,” the letter said.
