DOJ says no federal investigation of Rep Byron Donalds

A Department of Justice official has confirmed that U.S. Representative Byron Donalds is not under federal investigation, directly refuting explosive allegations made by his rival in the Florida Republican gubernatorial primary. The denial came after candidate James Fishback claimed at a press conference in Tallahassee on August 6 that a federal probe into another Florida congressman had expanded to include Donalds for alleged sex trafficking.

Fishback, a businessman and conservative activist, told reporters that a government whistleblower had approached his campaign with evidence. He alleged that Donalds and Representative Cory Mills solicited and paid for sexual acts on two occasions in 2024 at the MGM National Harbor resort in Maryland, citing dates of May 17 and November 19. Fishback stated he had given Donalds a prior opportunity to address the allegations publicly, which the congressman declined.

Federal and campaign officials swiftly rejected the claims. A Department of Justice law enforcement official stated the allegations were "absolutely false," confirming there is no investigation into Donalds. The official also clarified that an existing House Ethics Committee...