Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) texted Michael Cohen after his public testimony last week to apologize for a now-deleted tweet, saying “that is not who I am or how I operate.”
The text was obtained by Vanity Fair:
“Mr. Cohen, this is Congressman Matt Gaetz. I am writing to personally tell you I’m sorry for the tweet that I sent which many believe was threatening to you. It was never ever ever my intent to threaten you in any way. While you don’t know me, that is not who I am and how I operate. I do not wish any harm to you or your family. I was upset at what was transpiring and chose my words poorly. I will work to be better, as I know you said today you will as well. Have a good evening. – Matt.”
Cohen wasted no time in replying.
“Congressman Gaetz, I cannot thank you enough for your message. The tweet, sadly, has only made a bad situation worse . . . not only for my wife but for my children as well. With your permission, I would like to share your message with my wife and children. Hopefully, it will bring a little peace to their damaged life. We all make mistakes especially in this crazy partisan time. Thank you again for your text and I hope that the tweet does not cause you any harm. If it does, and there is anything I can do to help you correct it, please feel free to reach out and I would be happy to assist.”
Gaetz had tweeted an unsubstantiated threat to reveal Cohen’s “girlfriends,” earning him a rebuke from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and an investigation into possible witness intimidation from the Florida Bar. Gaetz has also apologized publicly.
A report surfaced that Gaetz told President Donald Trump that he was “happy” to take the heat from the tweet, telling the President that he “just keeps killing it.” The congressman denied the story.
