James Fishback, a former Republican candidate for Florida governor, publicly retracted and apologized for false claims that U.S. Representatives Byron Donalds (R-FL) and Cory Mills (R-FL) were under federal investigation for alleged involvement in sex trafficking.
On August 28, Fishback posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he had made a ‘terrible mistake’ by alleging the investigations, which he originally claimed were based on information from a trusted source. He stated that after speaking with his priest and going to confession, he had a moral obligation to correct the record. Fishback emphasized that neither Donalds nor Mills, nor their legal teams, had requested the retraction.
In his apology, Fishback acknowledged that his claims were false and that neither congressman is under federal investigation, as confirmed by the Department of Justice. He framed the incident as a violation of religious and ethical principles, stating: “I sinned against my fellow man, and I am sorry. I ask God for forgiveness and pray that I can make amends.”
Fishback’s original allegations, made in early August during the Republican primary for Florida governor, centered on alleged federal scrutiny of travel by Donalds and Mills to the MGM National Harbor resort in Maryland on May 17 and November 19, 2024. The Department of Justice has publicly denied any such investigations.
Reactions to the Retraction
A strategist for Rep. Cory Mills responded to Fishback’s apology by calling for him to leave politics entirely, stating that the false claims had caused reputational harm. The strategist did not specify whether legal action would be pursued.
Representatives Donalds and Mills have not publicly commented on the retraction or apology. The Justice Department has also not issued a formal response beyond its prior public denial of investigations.
Fishback’s post did not include legal consultation, and he explicitly stated that he was acting on moral grounds. He concluded by asking for forgiveness from the public and those affected by his statements.