The House Ethics Committee released a report Monday accusing former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) of violating House rules, as well as federal and state laws, including allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use, and obstruction of an investigation.
The report, spanning 42 pages, was released despite Gaetz’s resignation last month, which removed the committee’s jurisdiction to continue the probe.
Gaetz, who has consistently denied wrongdoing, filed a lawsuit Monday in an attempt to block the report’s release, claiming it contains “untruthful and defamatory information” that would harm his reputation.
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The report alleges that Gaetz engaged in a range of misconduct between 2017 and 2020, including:
- Paying at least $91,000 to a dozen women for sex, supported by financial transaction records.
- Having sex with a 17-year-old in 2017, corroborated by testimony from the individual.
- Using cocaine and ecstasy on multiple occasions.
- Accepting improper gifts, including lodging, food, and flights during a 2018 trip to the Bahamas.
- Misusing official resources to help a sexual partner obtain a passport.
- Obstructing the committee’s investigation by withholding evidence and providing irrelevant documents.
The committee’s findings are based on interviews with over two dozen witnesses, a review of 14,000 documents, and text messages.
Gaetz has vehemently denied the allegations, stating in a letter to the committee that claims of sexual misconduct with a minor are “unequivocally false.” He has acknowledged what he called “embarrassing, though not criminal” behavior in his past and criticized the committee’s decision to release the report, calling it politically motivated.
“Giving funds to someone you are dating – that they didn’t ask for – and that isn’t “charged” for sex is now prostitution?!? 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 said Monday. “This is testimony from one of the alleged “prostitutes” that you won’t see in the report!”
“ANOTHER ONE of the ethics witnesses who was an alleged “prostitute” claims she was indeed NOT when actually pressed in a deposition. This won’t be in the “ethics” report because of course,” Gaetz blasted on X.
The decision to release the report was contentious, with several members of the bipartisan panel opposing its publication. Committee Chair Michael Guest (R-Miss.) issued a dissent on behalf of those opposed, stating that while they did not dispute the findings, releasing the report undermines the committee’s established protocols.
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Despite the internal debate, the majority of the committee ultimately voted to make the findings public.
The report could have significant repercussions for Gaetz’s political career. While a Justice Department investigation did not lead to criminal charges, the Ethics Committee’s allegations could tarnish his reputation and hinder future attempts to seek public office.
The report concludes that Gaetz’s actions “reflect discreditably upon the House” and alleges violations of state prostitution laws, federal obstruction statutes, and House ethics rules.
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