Why are they baffled? This is the guy they've hitched their wagon to. He's doing exactly what they wanted.

Republicans sowing:

Republicans reaping:

Not that baffling: A report based on the house ethics probe about him was expected to be released in the coming days. Gaetz has already submitted his resignation, so the report will never see the light of day. Even if Gaetz gets blocked, the probe will not have had a chance to damage his public image and may not be used to disqualify him from holding future office.

It’s cover for him quitting before he got fired. And now he can get ‘rehired’ to some other lackey position in the future - with krompromat to spare!