A report into President-elect Donald Trump's most controversial Cabinet nominee, Matt Gaetz (Fl.), should not be released, according to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (LA) - as he insisted Trump was right to choose the Trump loyalist to head the Justice Department.

Gaetz resigned from Congress last week after Trump nominated him for attorney general, shocking D.C. and leaving many Republicans aghast.

Because Gaetz is no longer in government, he is not subject to the jurisdiction of the House Ethics Committee, which investigated his alleged sexual impropriety with a 17-year-old girl.

Johnson pushes back on Gaetz report

The House Ethics report has become a political football, with Democrats and some Republicans saying it's necessary to vet Gaetz. The Justice Department investigated the same allegations into Gaetz and declined to charge him.

In an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, Johnson said releasing the report into Gaetz would break with tradition, since he is no longer in Congress.

“What I have said with regard to the report is that it should not come out, and why? Because Matt Gaetz resigned from Congress. He is no longer a member. There’s a very important protocol and tradition and rule, that we maintain, that the House Ethics Committee’s jurisdiction does not extend to non-members of Congress,” Johnson said.

"I think that would be a Pandora’s Box. I don’t think we want the House Ethics Committee using all of its vast resources and powers to go after private citizens, and that’s what Matt Gaetz is now,” he added.

Controversial nominee

The most controversial of a slew of polarizing Cabinet picks, Gaetz is known for stirring the pot in D.C. He triggered the historic vote to remove former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which angered many Republicans.

While Republicans will soon have a majority in the Senate, many in his party are reluctant to back Gaetz. Although a trained lawyer, Gaetz's critics have said he lacks the character and qualifications to lead the Justice Department.

His defenders, however, have said Gaetz is suitable for the unconventional role of a disruptor to a broken status quo.

“These agencies need reform, and I think the vast majority of American people understand that you can’t have status quo appointments in a moment like this,” Johnson added. “I’m really excited about the days ahead. I think the America First policies will deliver the American people.”

Reforming the DOJ

Trump made it clear when he chose Gaetz that his mission would be to reform the "weaponized" Justice Department, which has spent years investigating Trump and which tried to jail him before his re-election victory threw a wrench in those plans.

The House Ethics Committee will meet Wednesday to discuss the Gaetz situation.  It is understood that Trump is absolutely determined to push Gaetz through, despite the significant backlash he has received.

Trump has pushed Republicans to let him appoint his nominees unilaterally, using recess appointments, something Johnson says he potentially supports.