The House Ethics Committee released a bombshell report accusing former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of serious ethical violations and unlawful behavior during his time in Congress. The investigation found “substantial evidence” that Gaetz engaged in statutory rape, prostitution, and illicit drug use, as well as accepting impermissible gifts. These revelations come amidst controversy surrounding his brief tenure as President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general pick and raise questions about the vetting process for Trump’s administration.
Allegations of Sexual Misconduct and Interactions with a Minor
The report detailed Gaetz’s interactions with a 17-year-old girl, referred to as “Victim A,” and other women. According to the findings:
- Sexual Encounters with a Minor: On July 15, 2017, Gaetz, then 35, attended a party where he had sex with multiple women, including Victim A. The committee’s report stated, “The record overwhelmingly suggests that Representative Gaetz had sex with multiple women … including the then-17-year-old.”
- Payment for Sex: Victim A testified that Gaetz gave her $400 that evening, which she understood to be payment for sex. At the time, she had just completed her junior year of high school.
- Violation of Florida Law: Gaetz’s actions constituted statutory rape under Florida law. The Ethics Committee also determined that his prior claims that he had not had sex with a 17-year-old “since I was 17” were false.
- Knowledge of Victim’s Age: The report revealed that Gaetz learned of the girl’s age a month after their initial encounter. Despite this, he allegedly engaged in commercial sex with her again less than six months later, after she turned 18.
Payments and Misconduct
The report found that Matt Gaetz paid tens of thousands of dollars to women between 2017 and 2020, with many payments linked to sexual activity or drug use. These payments included his attendance at parties where drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy were used.
Drug Use and Impermissible Gifts
Gaetz’s misconduct extended beyond his sexual behavior. He reportedly used illegal drugs including cocaine and ecstasy, on multiple occasions between 2017 and 2019. The Ethics Committee also revealed that he accepted gifts exceeding permissible amounts, such as a 2018 trip to the Bahamas.
“Discreditably Upon the House”
The bipartisan Ethics Committee accused Gaetz of violating House Rules, federal and state laws, and ethical standards, stating his actions “reflected discreditably upon the House.” The 42-page report concluded that Gaetz’s conduct violated prohibitions against prostitution, statutory rape, drug use, and obstruction of Congress.
While the panel found insufficient evidence to charge Matt Gaetz with violating federal sex-trafficking laws, it did determine he “caused the transportation of women across state lines for purposes of commercial sex.”
Gaetz’s Response
Gaetz has consistently denied the allegations. On the day of the report’s release, he criticized the timing and questioned the committee’s intentions in a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter.
“There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses,” Gaetz wrote.
Trump’s First AG Pick
Gaetz’s nomination as attorney general in November stirred controversy. Critics questioned his fitness to lead the Department of Justice, particularly given its previous investigation into him. Gaetz resigned from Congress just days before the Ethics Committee’s vote to release its report.
Facing mounting opposition, Gaetz withdrew his nomination eight days later, citing the distraction it was causing to Trump’s transition efforts. This marked a significant setback for Trump, raising questions about the vetting process for his Cabinet picks.
Secret Vote Leads to Report Release
Although Gaetz’s resignation removed him from the Ethics Committee’s jurisdiction, the bipartisan panel voted in secret on Dec. 10 to release the report publicly.
Implications for Trump’s Transition
As Trump’s other Cabinet nominees face Senate scrutiny, the findings in Gaetz’s report could undermine trust in his administration’s vetting process.
What Do You Think?
With the Ethics Committee’s damning report now public, do you believe Gaetz’s actions will have lasting repercussions for his political career and Trump’s transition efforts? Let us know in the comments below.
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