A woman has reportedly testified before the House Ethics Committee, claiming she witnessed Matt Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. Attorney General, engage in sexual activity with a minor at an Orlando house party in 2017. The revelation, shared by her lawyer Joel Leppard on Friday, has reignited scrutiny over Gaetz’s past amid his controversial nomination.
Testimony Details
“My client testified to the House Ethics Committee that she witnessed Rep. Gaetz having sex with a minor at a house party in Orlando in 2017,” Leppard said. The lawyer also represents another witness who provided testimony to the committee regarding Gaetz.
Leppard emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, “The American people deserve to know the truth about the person slated to become the top law enforcement officer in the country.”
Gaetz Denies Allegations
Gaetz, a far-right Republican who resigned from Congress on Wednesday following Trump’s nomination announcement, has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct. A spokesperson for Gaetz pointed to the Department of Justice’s decision not to charge him after a federal investigation, saying, “Merrick Garland’s DOJ cleared Matt Gaetz and didn’t charge him. Are you alleging Garland is part of a cover-up?”
Gaetz has consistently maintained his innocence, alleging he was the target of an extortion plot.
Ongoing Ethics Committee Investigation
The House Ethics Committee began investigating Gaetz in April 2021 on allegations related to sex trafficking involving a 17-year-old. While the investigation was initially deferred at the request of the DOJ, it was reauthorized in 2023 after the department withdrew its deferral.
With Gaetz no longer in Congress, the status of the Ethics Committee’s report remains uncertain. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has urged the panel not to release the report, citing protocol. However, some Republican senators have expressed a desire to review the findings before voting on Gaetz’s confirmation as Attorney General.
Confirmation Battle Looms
The Senate is expected to vote on Gaetz’s confirmation, though Trump has suggested he could use a recess appointment to bypass the process. Gaetz’s nomination has already drawn intense backlash, with concerns about his suitability for the role of Attorney General dominating the discussion.
Gaetz’s Background
Before entering politics, Gaetz practiced law at a Florida firm and served as a state representative. He was first elected to Congress in 2016 and represented Florida’s District 1 in the Panhandle until his resignation this week. His tenure has been marked by staunch loyalty to Trump and a polarizing presence in the Republican Party.
As the allegations and political drama unfold, Gaetz’s path to becoming the nation’s top law enforcement officer faces significant hurdles, with the spotlight firmly on his controversial past and Trump’s bold choice for the role.
