The House Ethics Committee has levied serious allegations against Matt Gaetz, claiming he engaged in “regular” payments for sex, including with a minor, as well as purchasing and consuming illegal drugs while serving in Congress. This revelation comes from a comprehensive 37-page report published following a nearly four-year investigation that ultimately had significant implications for his political career, including derailing his nomination for attorney general.
The bipartisan committee’s findings include explicit descriptions of wild parties and vacations that Gaetz participated in between 2017 and 2020, while serving as a representative from Florida’s panhandle. Investigators concluded that Gaetz had breached numerous state laws concerning sexual misconduct, though he was not found in violation of federal sex trafficking laws. The report also stated that Gaetz actively attempted to hinder the committee’s investigation.
The committee asserted, “There is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, and obstruction of Congress.” Prior to the report’s release, Gaetz strongly denied any allegations against him and voiced his disapproval of the committee’s investigative procedures.
In his defense, Gaetz presented his case on social media, questioning whether giving financial assistance to someone he was dating constituted prostitution. He remarked that the timing of the report’s release was suspicious, suggesting that it was designed to undermine him at a critical moment rather than being presented in a venue where he could formally contest the accusations.
Having been elected to Congress in 2017 as a Republican, Gaetz has often found himself embroiled in controversy, and these latest allegations complicate his political aspirations. Despite the turmoil surrounding his past, he has expressed interest in seeking a vacant Senate seat in Florida.
Extensive documentation was provided in the report, showcasing a lifestyle filled with parties, drugs, and questionable behavior. The evidence, collected following the issuance of 29 subpoenas for testimonies and records, aims to substantiate the committee’s claims against Gaetz. In particular, he reportedly accepted gifts beyond the permissible limits during a 2018 trip to the Bahamas, and he allegedly facilitated a passport for a woman he was involved with, misrepresenting her as his constituent.
Additionally, the report includes various text exchanges involving Gaetz and multiple women, where he appeared to organize social gatherings and travel arrangements. Another segment of the evidence illustrates women discussing financial difficulties and seeking assistance from Gaetz to cover education costs.
Regarding the allegations involving a 17-year-old, the committee clarified that there was no proof Gaetz was aware of her age during their encounter. The woman testified she did not disclose her age, and Gaetz only learned of it after their interaction. However, he maintained contact and reportedly engaged in sexual activities with her again after she turned 18, which is a critical point given Florida law stipulates that engaging in sexual conduct with a minor is a felony that doesn’t accept claims of ignorance as a defense.
A lawyer for two women who alleged that Gaetz paid for sex remarked that the findings support their credibility and express gratitude for the committee’s transparency in making the report public. Despite initial resistance from some GOP members, including the House Speaker, at least one Republican joined Democrats in voting to release the report.
Critics from the Republican side, including Rep. Michael Guest, voiced objections to the decision to publish the report, arguing that it deviated from the established standards of the Ethics Committee, which typically halts investigations into members who are no longer in office. Furthermore, Gaetz has taken legal action, aiming to prevent the report’s publication due to what he termed defamatory content that could tarnish his reputation.
The committee has been investigating Gaetz since 2021, and its urgency increased when former President Trump nominated him for a significant law enforcement position following the election. Gaetz’s resignation from Congress effectively limited the committee’s authority, yet Democrats continued to push for the report’s release. Previous attempts to compel publication met resistance, leading to the current controversy.
The investigation’s progress faced delays while awaiting information from the Justice Department, which refused to provide details on its inquiry into Gaetz, describing the case as closed without charges. The Ethics Committee reported that their experience with the Justice Department has been frustrating, claiming little cooperation from officials. They highlighted that Gaetz was also uncooperative, offering minimal documentation during the investigation and refusing to participate in a voluntary interview.
