Madison Cawthorn.Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty
Despitelosing the Republican primaryin North Carolina earlier this month, it appears controversy maycontinue to plaguewhat’s left of Rep. Madison Cawthorn’s first term in Congress.
The U.S. House Committee on Ethicsannounced an investigationMonday into allegations that Cawthorn, 26, “improperly promoted a cryptocurrency in which he may have had an undisclosed financial interest” and “engaged in an improper relationship with an individual employed on his congressional staff,” according to a press release.
The announcement, which notes that the inquiry “does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred, or reflect any judgment on behalf of the Committee,” comes after astring of scandalsinvolving the youngest serving member of Congress preceded Republican voters' rejection of Cawthorn at the polls.
Cawthorncommentedin December that the currency would “go to the moon,” suggesting its price would soar, on an Instagram photo of him with the hedge fund manager who runs the currency, according to theExaminer. The day after he posted the comment, the cryptocurrency announced it had sponsored a race car driver, sending shares soaring more than 75%.
Rep. Madison Cawthorn.Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
A super PAC committed to opposing Cawthorn also urged an investigation into several matters, including the lawmaker being cited forillegal gun possessionafter a loaded firearm was reportedly found in his bag at a North Carolina airport and a “relationship with his House employee Mr. Stephen L. Smith,“according to a letter the group sent to the committee, which alleges Smith has accepted undisclosed gifts such as free housing and travel from Cawthorn.
“This inquiry is a formality. Our office isn’t deterred in the slightest from completing the job the patriots of Western North Carolina sent us to Washington to accomplish,” Harp also said, according to the Axios report.
The committee’s investigation would likely continue until the end of Cawthorn’s term,according toThe Washington Post, which also reports it could end sooner if the lawmaker decides to step down.
The House Committee on Ethics also announced it would not pursue an investigation into misdemeanor charges against Cawthorn for driving with a revoked license and speeding.
source: people.com
