Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), who employed the congressional staffer who allegedly appears in a tape showing two men having sex in a Senate hearing room, on Monday described the incident as a “breach of trust,” according to multiple news reports.
Cardin confirmed that Capitol Police are now investigating the events, adding that his office would fully cooperate with the probe.
“I was angry, disappointed,” Cardin told reporters, according to The Hill. “It’s a breach of trust. All of the above. It’s a tragic situation and it’s presented a lot of anger and frustration. I’m concerned about our staff and the way that they feel about this and the Senate staff.”
Cardin said he hadn’t spoken to the aide and declined to get drawn into questions about how closely he worked with him.
“I’m not going to get into my relationship with staff people,” he added, according to Politico.
Some reports named Aidan Maese-Czeropski, a now-former aide to Cardin, as one of the men shown in the video.
Cardin’s office over the weekend confirmed to HuffPost that “Maese-Czeropski is no longer employed by the U.S. Senate.”
In a since-deleted post on LinkedIn, Maese-Czeropski said some of his actions had demonstrated “poor judgement” without specifically referring to the sex tape.
“I love my job and would never disrespect my workplace,” Maese-Czeropski added. “Any attempts to characterize my actions otherwise are fabricated and I will be exploring what legal options are available to me in these matters.”
The tape was first reported by The Daily Caller, which published a censored version of the video Friday. The conservative outlet said the footage, which they reported was filmed in Senate room Hart 216 — where the Judiciary Committee meets — was leaked and shared in a private group for gay men in politics.
Cardin, 80, announced earlier this year that he would be resigning at the end of his current term, which expires in January 2025.
Support HuffPost
The Stakes Have Never Been Higher
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Our News, Politics and Culture teams invest time and care working on hard-hitting investigations and researched analyses, along with quick but robust daily takes. Our Life, Health and Shopping desks provide you with well-researched, expert-vetted information you need to live your best life, while HuffPost Personal, Voices and Opinion center real stories from real people.
Help keep news free for everyone by giving us as little as $1. Your contribution will go a long way.
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Help keep news free for everyone by giving us as little as $1. Your contribution will go a long way.
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, the very foundations of our democracy are at stake. A vibrant democracy is impossible without well-informed citizens. This is why HuffPost’s journalism is free for everyone, not just those who can afford expensive paywalls.
We cannot do this without your help. Support our newsroom by contributing as little as $1 a month.
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, the very foundations of our democracy are at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a vibrant democracy is impossible without well-informed citizens. This is why we keep our journalism free for everyone, even as most other newsrooms have retreated behind expensive paywalls.
Our newsroom continues to bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes on one of the most consequential elections in recent history. Reporting on the current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly — and we need your help.
Support our newsroom by contributing as little as $1 a month.
