A former U.S. lawmaker, who was once selected by Donald Trump to head the Justice Department, has been implicated in serious allegations, including paying for sex and involvement with an underage girl, according to a report released by a congressional committee.
Matt Gaetz, a controversial political figure, is accused of engaging in drug use, including cocaine and ecstasy, and conducting illicit activities from his Capitol Hill office. The allegations are outlined in a detailed 37-page report from the House Ethics Committee following a lengthy investigation.
“The committee found significant evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House rules and ethical standards related to prostitution, statutory rape, drug use, improper gifts, special privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” the investigators stated.
Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing the Justice Department’s 2023 decision not to pursue charges against him after a separate criminal investigation. He also attempted to prevent the release of the congressional report through legal action.
The investigation concluded that Gaetz likely violated several Florida laws concerning sexual misconduct, although he was not found guilty of federal sex trafficking offenses. The report highlighted over $90,000 in payments made to 12 women between 2017 and 2020, allegedly linked to sexual activities or drug use.
A 2018 trip to the Bahamas was a key focus of the investigation, with claims that Gaetz engaged in sexual activities with multiple women and used ecstasy during the trip. Witnesses also testified that Gaetz and his associate, Joel Greenberg, arranged for payments to women for sexual encounters.
One of the most concerning allegations involved a 17-year-old girl who claimed to have had sexual encounters with Gaetz in 2017. She stated she received $400 from Gaetz, which she understood to be payment for the encounters. Gaetz has denied the claims and insisted he did not engage in any inappropriate relationships with minors.
The report’s findings have further tarnished Gaetz’s reputation, which has long been polarizing. Although he was a staunch ally of Donald Trump, his nomination for U.S. attorney general was withdrawn after facing significant opposition from Republican lawmakers.
Responding to the allegations, Gaetz dismissed the report as politically motivated. He argued on social media that the financial transactions were misrepresented and reiterated his innocence. In one post, he questioned whether giving money to someone he was dating could be considered prostitution.
The committee’s findings add to the years of scrutiny surrounding Gaetz, whose actions have drawn criticism from both political allies and opponents. Despite his denials, the report underscores the gravity of the accusations and their impact on his political career.
