Matt Gaetz scandal: Ethics report alleges payments for sex, drug use – is indictment next?

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican and once a contender for President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general pick, is at the center of explosive allegations detailed in a House Ethics Committee report.

The investigation found Gaetz paid women, including a 17-year-old girl, for sex and engaged in illegal drug use, sometimes from his Capitol Hill office.

Key Findings of the Ethics Report

The 37-page report, released Monday, concludes that Gaetz violated multiple state laws and House rules during his time in office. It cites substantial evidence of sexual misconduct, drug use, impermissible gifts, and obstruction of Congress. Among the most serious allegations:

• Gaetz allegedly paid more than $90,000 to 12 women between 2017 and 2020, with payments often linked to sexual activity or drug use.
• A 2017 incident where Gaetz allegedly had sex with a 17-year-old girl and gave her $400. The report states the girl did not disclose her age, and Gaetz did not inquire.
• A 2018 trip to the Bahamas where Gaetz allegedly took ecstasy and engaged in sexual activity with multiple women.
• Gaetz reportedly used a fake Capitol Hill email account to purchase marijuana and referred to drugs as “party favors” and “rolls” in text messages.

Denials and Legal Challenges

Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing, calling the accusations a “smear” campaign by political enemies. He refused to testify under oath during the investigation but provided written answers, denying having sex with a minor or using illicit drugs.

In response to the report’s release, Gaetz filed a federal lawsuit arguing the committee lacks jurisdiction over him as a private citizen. The lawsuit accused the committee of violating constitutional due process and procedural norms. Despite his legal efforts, the report was made public shortly after his filing.

Allegations of Gift Violations and Abuse of Power

The report also highlights other alleged misconduct, including:

• Accepting luxury travel exceeding permissible limits during the Bahamas trip.
• Arranging for his chief of staff to falsely assist a woman he had a sexual relationship with in obtaining a passport, claiming she was a constituent.

Gaetz’s Public Response

Last week, Gaetz addressed the allegations on social media, admitting to partying and womanizing in his past but maintaining that his actions were not criminal. “In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated or even those who asked. It’s embarrassing, though not illegal,” he wrote. He claimed to now live a different life.

Ethics Committee’s Decision and Fallout

The Ethics Committee, initially hesitant to release the findings, voted to publish the report after bipartisan support emerged within its ranks. Two Republican members joined Democrats in the vote, reflecting growing bipartisan concern over Gaetz’s conduct.

The report closes a tumultuous chapter in Gaetz’s congressional career, marked by his provocative rhetoric and alignment with the pro-Trump faction. Gaetz resigned from Congress in November after withdrawing his nomination for attorney general amid mounting opposition and controversy.

What’s Next for Gaetz?

While Gaetz has expressed intentions to support Trump in his post-Congress career, he has not ruled out a return to politics. Recently, he floated the idea of running for House speaker, though his political future remains uncertain in light of the allegations.

The release of the ethics report has reignited discussions about congressional accountability, with many questioning the systemic safeguards in place to address misconduct by lawmakers. Gaetz’s case continues to serve as a flashpoint for broader debates on political ethics and integrity.