Matt Gaetz Ethics Report/ Gaetz sexual misconduct allegations/ House Ethics Committee/ Gaetz sex scandal/ Trump attorney general nominee/ WASHINGTON/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A House Ethics Committee report accuses former Rep. Matt Gaetz of paying for sex, including with a 17-year-old girl, and using illicit drugs while serving in Congress. Gaetz denies the allegations and has filed a lawsuit to block the report’s release, citing jurisdictional concerns since his resignation.
House Ethics Committee: Accusations Against Matt Gaetz
Key Findings
- Sexual Misconduct Allegations: The 37-page bipartisan report accuses Gaetz of regularly paying for sex, including with a minor, and attending sex-filled parties while serving as a Florida congressman.
- Drug Use and Misconduct: Gaetz is alleged to have purchased and used illicit drugs and violated rules against accepting impermissible gifts and favors.
- Legal Violations: The findings suggest Gaetz violated state laws on prostitution, statutory rape, and obstructing Congress.
House Ethics Report Accuses Matt Gaetz of Paying for Sex with a Minor
Deep Look
Explicit Accusations
The House Ethics Committee’s investigation into Matt Gaetz culminated in a report that accuses him of paying women, including a 17-year-old girl, for sex. The report also claims Gaetz purchased and used drugs, attended sexually explicit parties, and accepted impermissible gifts while serving in Congress.
The bipartisan panel concluded that there was “substantial evidence” Gaetz violated multiple state laws and House rules, detailing “sex-filled parties and vacations” the congressman allegedly participated in.
Gaetz’s Response
Gaetz, who resigned from Congress in November after being nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for attorney general, denies the allegations. On Monday, he filed a lawsuit to block the report’s release, calling it defamatory and arguing the Ethics Committee has no jurisdiction over him as a private citizen.
“The Committee’s position … represents an unprecedented expansion of Congressional power,” his lawyers wrote in their request for a restraining order.
The Ethics Committee’s Rare Action
While it is unusual for the House Ethics Committee to release findings after a member’s resignation, the report’s publication was supported by one Republican and all five Democrats on the panel. The vote followed pressure from Democrats who argued the public deserved transparency regarding Gaetz’s alleged misconduct.
Despite opposition from most Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, the committee moved forward with releasing the report.
Political and Legal Implications
Even after Gaetz’s resignation, Democrats pushed to release the report, arguing it was in the public’s interest. A House floor vote to force its release failed, with only one Republican breaking ranks to support it.
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