Matt Gaetz apologizes for his tweet alleging that Michael Cohen has "friends"

Rep. Matt Gaetz apologized late Tuesday for comments that many saw as a threat to Michael Cohen, the former lawyer of President Trump, who is scheduled to testify Wednesday before the House's oversight committee.

"Although it's important to create a context around the testimony of liars like Michael Cohen, it was NOT my intention to threaten, as some people believe, I suppress the tweet," Gaetz wrote on Twitter. .

The Florida Republican and Trump's ally were targeted by a tweet on Tuesday morning asking Cohen: "Are your wife and stepfather aware of your friends? evening would be a good time for this cat to stay faithful when you are in jail.It is about to learn a lot … "

Gaetz then defended his remarks by telling reporters: "We are witnessing tests, not falsifying witnesses, and when witnesses appear before Congress, their veracity and veracity are in question and we have the opportunity to test them. "

Cohen, who pleaded guilty to lying to Congress, is expected to testify on Wednesday about Trump's information on Democratic email leaks and negotiations for Trump Tower Moscow during the campaign, as well as on payouts. hiding two women who alleged links Cohen's guilty plea for violations of campaign funding.

Gaetz's apology followed a statement by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who issued a reprimand after Gaetz's initial tweet to members about comments that "could undermine the ability of House committees to obtain the and the complete information necessary for the accomplishment of their tasks "- she stated that the comments should be followed by the Ethics Committee.