Former Congressman Matt Gaetz, recently nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for Attorney General, is at the center of bombshell allegations involving sex parties, drug use, and misconduct during his tenure in the House of Representatives.
New Allegations Surface
Joel Leppard, an attorney representing two women tied to a House Ethics Committee investigation, claims that Gaetz attended up to 10 “sex parties” between 2017 and 2019, where illegal drugs and group sex were allegedly present. The women allege Gaetz paid them for sex via Venmo, with one testifying she saw him engage in sexual activity with a 17-year-old at one of these gatherings.
“She testified that in July 2017, at this house party, she saw Rep. Gaetz having sex with her friend, who was 17,” Leppard said. Another witness recalled a similar encounter at a party involving a game table thought to be an air hockey table.
Gaetz Denies Wrongdoing
Gaetz has strongly denied the allegations, calling them a “false smear” and insisting he has never engaged in sexual activity with anyone under 18. In a September letter on social media, he wrote: “The lawful, consensual sexual activities of adults are not the business of Congress.”
The former lawmaker also criticized the Ethics Committee for targeting him, announcing he would no longer comply with their investigation.
Ethics Committee Investigation
The House Ethics Committee began investigating Gaetz in June, focusing on allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use, improper gifts, special favors, and obstruction of government probes. However, the inquiry was abruptly paused following Gaetz’s resignation after his nomination for Attorney General.
Attorney Claims Evidence of Misconduct
Leppard alleges there is concrete evidence, including Venmo transactions and text messages, linking Gaetz to illicit activities. Texts reportedly show Gaetz inquiring about “party favors” and “vitamins,” which Leppard says refer to illegal drugs.
“Venmo transactions for sex and texts about drugs paint a troubling picture,” Leppard stated.
Trump’s Support for Gaetz
Despite the controversy, the Trump transition team remains steadfast in its support for Gaetz. Transition spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer told DailyMail.com: “Matt Gaetz will be the next Attorney General. He’s the right man for the job and will end the weaponization of our justice system.”
Pfeiffer dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, adding: “The Biden Justice Department investigated Gaetz for years and cleared him of wrongdoing.”
A Divisive Nomination
Gaetz’s nomination as Attorney General has sparked heated debate, with critics questioning his fitness for the role amid the mounting allegations. A staunch Trump ally, Gaetz has been a vocal advocate for the former president and frequently appeared at Trump’s legal trials over the summer.
As the controversy unfolds, Gaetz’s nomination is shaping up to be a litmus test for the Trump administration’s handling of public scrutiny and ethics concerns.
