Ethics Report Alleges Gaetz Spent ‘Tens of Thousands’ on Sex and Drugs

A report from the House of Representatives ethics committee, which had been anticipated for some time, indicates that former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz utilized tens of thousands of dollars for sex and drugs during his tenure as a US congressman. This report is the outcome of an investigation spanning several years concerning accusations of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use involving Gaetz, whom then President-elect Donald Trump had considered for the role of the country’s chief law enforcement officer. Furthermore, the committee uncovered evidence suggesting that Gaetz, aged 42, accepted gifts exceeding allowable limits in relation to a 2018 visit to the Bahamas. The former legislator has consistently refuted any misconduct, asserting that he is the target of a smear campaign. In light of the controversy, he removed himself from consideration for the position of US attorney general. The congressional ethics report concluded that “there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favours or privileges, and obstruction of Congress.” The report also detailed that between 2017 and 2020, Gaetz disbursed over $90,000 (£72,000) to 12 distinct women, payments “that the Committee determined were likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use”. Furthermore, the document includes testimony alleging that Gaetz compensated a 17-year-old for sex at a 2017 gathering, providing her $400 “which she understood to be payment for sex”. Gaetz has denied engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The Department of Justice also conducted an inquiry into an accusation of him having sex with a minor but ultimately chose not to pursue criminal charges against him. On Monday, Gaetz submitted a last-minute court filing, requesting a temporary restraining order to prevent the report’s publication. He contended that the ethics committee was attempting to assert its authority over a private citizen. The committee’s 42-page document alleges that Gaetz was “uncooperative” during its investigation, frequently attempting to “deflect, deter, or mislead” the panel “in order to prevent his actions from being exposed”. He did not appear before the committee to provide testimony, despite being issued a subpoena. Gaetz served as the representative for Florida’s first congressional district in the US House of Representatives, securing his position in the 2016 election, the same year his ally Trump first ascended to the White House. Gaetz married his current wife, Ginger, in 2021; she has offered support to the former Florida congressman amidst the allegations. She shared a photograph of her husband on X, accompanied by the caption “unemployment has never looked so good,” following his withdrawal from consideration for attorney general and his resignation from Congress. When Gaetz resigned from Congress last month, subsequent to his nomination by Trump to become US attorney general—the nation’s chief law enforcement official who leads the Department of Justice—it was thought that he would be outside the committee’s jurisdiction. Trump’s selection of Gaetz was partly attributed to Gaetz’s reputation as an ultra-loyalist and his commitment to confronting what supporters perceive as a “weaponised” legal system targeting Trump. Gaetz has consistently been among Trump’s most vocal proponents on Capitol Hill. However, numerous Republicans in Congress, including those responsible for voting on such appointments, expressed dismay at the choice and successfully opposed it. Gaetz withdrew his name merely eight days after his nomination by Trump, amidst a surge of controversy. Subsequently, Trump selected former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi as his nominee for attorney general. Trump has not yet provided a statement regarding the report’s conclusions. Although it is uncommon for the committee to publish its findings after a legislator has departed public office, the report indicated that a “majority” of its members determined it was in the public interest to proceed in this specific case. A significant discussion had arisen concerning the release of the report, particularly following Gaetz’s withdrawal from consideration for the leading position within the Justice Department. He stated his desire to avert a “needlessly protracted Washington scuffle.” Gaetz’s proposed appointment as attorney general was among those requiring confirmation by US senators, and it appeared he did not possess the necessary backing. The ethics committee, known for its discretion, had been investigating Gaetz intermittently since 2021, examining not only the allegations concerning sex and drugs but also claims that he accepted bribes and improperly used campaign funds. In every instance, he vehemently denied any misconduct. House Republicans had previously obstructed Democratic attempts to disclose the report’s findings, though two Republicans subsequently voted for its release, as reported by CBS. On Monday, Gaetz posted on X, stating that the committee opted to release the report near Christmas “and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses.” Last week, he shared a post indicating that the ethics committee intended to “post a report online that I have no opportunity to debate or rebut as a former member of the body.” In an earlier post on X, he conceded that his thirties were a period of “working very hard – and playing hard too.” He penned, “It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life.” He added, “I live a different life now.” Several House Democrats voiced criticism of their former colleague and of Trump for selecting him as an ally. Representative Glenn Ivey, one of the five Democrats on the ethics committee, commented that the accusations against Gaetz indicate a recurring pattern by Trump of not “putting people in those positions who are really up to doing the job.” He informed CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, that “President-elect Trump should have thought twice before he nominated Matt Gaetz and some of the other nominations he’s made, I think would bear reconsideration as well.” Following his departure from Congress, Gaetz has secured an agreement to serve as an anchor for One America News Network (OAN), with his tenure at the conservative news network set to commence in January. Additionally, he has begun offering personalized video messages through the Cameo platform. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.