The House Ethics Committee has made damning allegations against former Congressman Matt Gaetz, claiming he regularly paid for sex, including with a minor, and was involved with illicit drugs during his tenure as a legislator. This comprehensive 37-page report, released on Monday, details the grim findings of the nearly four-year investigation directed at Gaetz, who once aspired to be the Attorney General under President Donald Trump.
According to the bipartisan committee’s report, Gaetz, now 42, was found to have violated numerous state laws concerning sexual misconduct between 2017 to 2020. The allegations included payments for sex, drug possession, and accepting gifts beyond the permissible amount allowed for lawmakers, particularly during a luxurious trip to the Bahamas. The report stated, "The Committee determined there is substantial evidence Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress.”
Prior to the release, Gaetz vehemently denied any wrongdoing and framed the committee's investigation as biased. On social media, he questioned the accusations, stating, "Giving funds to someone you are dating —that they didn’t ask for— and isn’t ‘charged’ for sex is now prostitution?!?" His frustration appeared palpable as he decried what he called the committee's delay tactics as they chose to release their findings just days before Christmas. "There is a reason they did this to me... where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses,” he added.
The committee's investigation began amid mounting allegations against Gaetz, which gained intense scrutiny after he was nominated by Trump to lead the Justice Department post-election. Gaetz’s reputation has been clouded by various scandals since he first took office in 2017. The report includes explicit details, with evidence comprising text messages, financial records, and testimonies from over two dozen witnesses who recounted the environment surrounding Gaetz's alleged behaviors.
Importantly, the report mentions Gaetz's interactions with a 17-year-old girl, asserting he did not know her age at the time of their sexual encounter. The girl testified she did not disclose her minor status and said Gaetz continued communicating with her even after learning her true age. Despite this, Florida law prohibits individuals 24 or older from engaging sexually with minors, without room for claims of ignorance.
The committee has explained its process, which included issuing 29 subpoenas and gathering extensive documentation to explore the allegations against Gaetz thoroughly. Their findings come as no surprise to some, as the investigation's intent was visible even during Trump’s nomination of Gaetz—a selection under relentless scrutiny.
Joel Leppard, attorney for two women who claimed Gaetz paid for sex, remarked on the report's release, which he believes "vindicates" their accounts and enhances their credibility. He praised the committee for its thoroughness and transparency. At the same time, Gaetz faces obstinately uncertain political prospects. After abruptly resigning from Congress last month, he hinted at aspirations of campaigning for the open Senate seat from Florida.
The report did not boast entirely favorable commentary from across the aisle, as some committee members expressed concerns about the precedent set by publicizing findings against former members who are no longer under investigation. Notably, some Republicans voted against the report’s release, with Rep. Mike Johnson, the House Speaker, standing opposed to publishing potentially damaging findings. Despite this opposition, one Republican sided with the Democratic majority, allowing the committee to publish their investigation results.
Rep. Michael Guest, chairman of the Republicans who opposed the report's release, voiced discontent over the decision to publish findings about an individual who is no longer serving, calling it a dangerous departure from established legislative standards. Meanwhile, Maryland Rep. Glenn Ivey argued the necessity of public release for transparency concerning Congressional conduct.
"I think it’s important for my colleagues here to know how the committee reviews certain acts," Ivey claimed, emphasizing the significance of accountability.
Gaetz's legal team responded to the report's release by filing a lawsuit, claiming the findings could irreparably harm his standing and reputation. The suit argues the committee lacks jurisdiction as Gaetz resigned from his Congressional role and calls the allegations defamatory and untruthful.
The Ethics Committee's investigation has evolved over the years, initially being stalled due to the separate Justice Department inquiry, which—after ceasing its investigation due to insufficient evidence—allowed the Ethics Committee to resume theirs. Independent of the department’s probe, lawmakers have faced hurdles retrieving necessary documents, with the ethics committee mentioning their constant struggle to obtain pertinent information from the often-secretive Justice Department.
The investigators concluded their findings with stern descriptions of Gaetz's uncooperative stance throughout the inquiry, showing he provided minimal documentation and refused requests for voluntary interviews. The committee anticipated scrutiny from both sides, illustrating the contentious nature surrounding their investigation.
With the report released and its findings making headlines, the question remains: What lies next for Gaetz as he faces the fallout of these accusations and the uncertain waters of his political career? His attempts to dismiss the report and its conclusions amid legal disputes will undoubtedly keep him at the forefront of political discussion for the foreseeable future.
