The House Ethics Committee's imminent report on Matt Gaetz could have significant implications as it highlights various allegations against the former Congressman.
Ethics Report on Matt Gaetz Anticipated to Drop Soon
Ethics Report on Matt Gaetz Anticipated to Drop Soon
Investigation into Allegations of Misconduct Gains Traction
The House Ethics Committee is set to unveil a long-anticipated report concerning former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz on Monday. This report concludes an extensive inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use that has shadowed Gaetz since 2021, when he briefly appeared as a contender for a high-ranking position in President Donald Trump's cabinet. A draft of the report, which has been reviewed by CBS News, asserts that there is "substantial evidence" indicating Gaetz's violation of state laws related to sexual improprieties during his time in office.
Gaetz, 42, has consistently denied these allegations, characterizing the scrutiny he faces as part of a concerted smear campaign against him. He has refrained from making any statements regarding the latest report developments. According to the 37-page draft, the Committee claims to have found substantial evidence that Gaetz contravened House rules, specifically addressing issues such as prohibition of prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, and obstruction of Congress. It is reported that from 2017 to 2020, Gaetz made payments exceeding $90,000 to 12 women, which the Committee believed were likely associated with sexual activities and/or drug use.
Notably, the draft also includes testimony alleging that Gaetz paid a 17-year-old for sex at a party in 2017, giving her $400 interpreted as a payment for sexual services, a claim he has disputed vehemently. Although the Department of Justice previously investigated him concerning allegations of sexual conduct with a minor, they ultimately opted not to file criminal charges.
After being recommended for a position at the Department of Justice, Gaetz resigned from Congress, seemingly aiming to sidestep the Ethics Committee's evaluation. Following a contentious debate about the release of the report, Gaetz withdrew himself from consideration for the DoJ role, keen to avoid "needlessly protracted" disputes in Washington, D.C. Originally elected in 2016 alongside Trump, Gaetz’s political career has seen a turbulent trajectory, now faced with the scrutiny of his past actions.
Amidst previous resistance from House Republicans regarding the publication of the Ethics report, dissent from some members has resulted in the report’s release. In response to the impending public disclosure, Gaetz expressed on social media that he had been "charged with nothing" and claimed to be "fully exonerated." He also criticized the ethics process, suggesting that the report's publication denies him the chance to contest the allegations as a former congressman. He openly acknowledged some questionable behaviors from his past but emphasized that they do not constitute criminal activity.
Gaetz, 42, has consistently denied these allegations, characterizing the scrutiny he faces as part of a concerted smear campaign against him. He has refrained from making any statements regarding the latest report developments. According to the 37-page draft, the Committee claims to have found substantial evidence that Gaetz contravened House rules, specifically addressing issues such as prohibition of prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, and obstruction of Congress. It is reported that from 2017 to 2020, Gaetz made payments exceeding $90,000 to 12 women, which the Committee believed were likely associated with sexual activities and/or drug use.
Notably, the draft also includes testimony alleging that Gaetz paid a 17-year-old for sex at a party in 2017, giving her $400 interpreted as a payment for sexual services, a claim he has disputed vehemently. Although the Department of Justice previously investigated him concerning allegations of sexual conduct with a minor, they ultimately opted not to file criminal charges.
After being recommended for a position at the Department of Justice, Gaetz resigned from Congress, seemingly aiming to sidestep the Ethics Committee's evaluation. Following a contentious debate about the release of the report, Gaetz withdrew himself from consideration for the DoJ role, keen to avoid "needlessly protracted" disputes in Washington, D.C. Originally elected in 2016 alongside Trump, Gaetz’s political career has seen a turbulent trajectory, now faced with the scrutiny of his past actions.
Amidst previous resistance from House Republicans regarding the publication of the Ethics report, dissent from some members has resulted in the report’s release. In response to the impending public disclosure, Gaetz expressed on social media that he had been "charged with nothing" and claimed to be "fully exonerated." He also criticized the ethics process, suggesting that the report's publication denies him the chance to contest the allegations as a former congressman. He openly acknowledged some questionable behaviors from his past but emphasized that they do not constitute criminal activity.
