The House Ethics Committee has released its long-awaited report detailing serious allegations against former Rep. Matt Gaetz, including claims of paying for sex with multiple women and illegal drug use. The report, which is based on extensive testimony and documentation, has reignited discussions about Gaetz's controversial conduct during his time in Congress.
According to the final draft of the report obtained by CBS News, the committee found substantial evidence indicating Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct, including payments to women for sex. Notably, the report highlights two sexual encounters Gaetz allegedly had with a 17-year-old girl identified as "Victim A" during a party in 2017. Victim A reportedly recalled receiving $400 from Gaetz, which she understood to be payment for sex. Importantly, she mentioned she did not inform Gaetz of her age, and he did not ask.
“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,” the report states. The committee's investigation spans over three years and covers numerous allegations, illustrating the seriousness of the findings.
Gaetz, who resigned from Congress last November after being nominated by then-President Donald Trump to be attorney general—a nomination he later withdrew—has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He claims the allegations are fabrications perpetuated by his political enemies. "I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18," he stated, pushing back against the report’s findings.
Beyond the allegations of sexual misconduct, the ethics report also outlines Gaetz’s extensive use of illegal drugs. The committee noted evidence from text messages where Gaetz referred to drugs as "party favors" or "vitamins." These messages help paint a picture of the former congressman's lifestyle, which was characterized by heavy partying and alleged reckless behavior. Notably, the report mentions Gaetz's involvement with drugs during social gatherings, including one event held in the Bahamas where drug use reportedly occurred alongside sexual activities.
From 2017 to 2020, the committee found Gaetz had made payments totaling over $90,000 to at least twelve different women, with many of the transactions linked to sexual activities or drug use. This troubling pattern raises questions about ethics and conduct standards within the halls of Congress.
Addtionally, victims who testified before the committee stated their encounters with Gaetz were consensual; yet, one woman remarked, "When I look back on certain moments, I feel violated," indicating complicity of drugs during these social encounters may have clouded their ability to consent. The report suggests these women’s experiences complicate the narrative of simple consensual interactions.
Despite the gravity of the report's findings, Gaetz responded with defiance, filing a lawsuit attempting to block its public release. He argued the disclosure would irreparably harm his reputation as he is no longer under the committee’s jurisdiction now being a private citizen. “I’ve had no chance to ever confront any accusers,” he remarked, highlighting his belief he is not receiving fair treatment.
This development is notable, especially considering the committee's initial decision to keep the report under wraps. Recent changes, including votes from Republican members favoring the report's release, suggest shifting attitudes within the party about Gaetz's behavior and their willingness to address it.
Criticism of Gaetz extends beyond the allegations of misconduct. Many within Congress have accused him of using his political connections to avoid accountability. His resignation was seen by some as a strategic move to duck the fallout from the report, which many anticipated would contain damaging revelations.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson expressed opposition to releasing the report since Gaetz had already left office; nevertheless, the committee made the decision to proceed. This decision reflects increasing pressure from both sides of the political aisle to tackle the serious allegations detailed against Gaetz without fear of partisan fallout.
Examining the future, Gaetz has hinted at potential plans to remain involved politically, whether through hypothetical bids for Congress or other roles within Trump’s circle. He has called his past behaviors "embarrassing though not criminal," framing his earlier years as wild but typical of youthful indiscretion.
The House Ethics Committee has navigated through contentious political waters with this report, shedding light on the misdeeds of one of its former members. The full extent and impact of these findings on Gaetz's future endeavors is yet to be seen, but the spotlight on him continues to shine brightly as both allies and opponents carefully evaluate the fallout.
With the ethics report now public, the conversation shifts to the broader questions about congressional accountability, the integrity of elected officials, and the steps necessary to maintain both. Observers nationwide will undoubtedly be watching closely as this scandal continues to develop.
