House Ethics Committee: Gaetz ‘Regularly Paid for Sex,’ Including with a Minor

Explosive report uncovers years of alleged misconduct, derailing Gaetz’s political future.

The House Ethics Committee has released a damning 37-page report accusing former Congressman Matt Gaetz of paying for sex, including with a 17-year-old, and obstructing the investigation into his alleged misconduct. The bipartisan investigation, spanning nearly four years, paints a sordid picture of drug-fueled parties, illicit relationships, and potential violations of both state laws and House rules.

Gaetz, who resigned from Congress last month after being considered for a cabinet position in Donald Trump’s new administration, has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated.

Key Findings from the Report

• Sexual Misconduct: Gaetz allegedly solicited prostitution and engaged in sexual relationships with multiple women, including one who was 17 at the time. The report states there was no evidence Gaetz knew her age initially, but he continued seeing her after learning she was underage.

• Drug Use and Party Lifestyle: Investigators detailed a hedonistic lifestyle involving drug-fueled parties, with exhibits including text messages, financial records, and travel receipts.

• Gifts and Favors: Gaetz accepted impermissible gifts, including transportation and lodging, and arranged a passport for a woman he was involved with under false pretenses.

• Obstruction of Congress: The report accused Gaetz of knowingly impeding the investigation by providing minimal documentation and refusing a voluntary interview.

Gaetz’s Response

Gaetz dismissed the report as a smear campaign, questioning its timing and legitimacy:

“Giving funds to someone you are dating—that they didn’t ask for—is now prostitution?!? This is why they dropped it on Christmas Eve-Eve, avoiding any real courtroom where I could defend myself.”

The former Florida representative has filed a lawsuit to block the report, citing “defamatory information” that he argues will harm his reputation.

The Fallout

1. Political Repercussions:

• The allegations have severely damaged Gaetz’s standing, forcing him to resign and withdraw from consideration as Trump’s attorney general pick.

• His future ambitions, including a rumored Senate run, remain uncertain.

2. House Divisions:

• The decision to release the report was contentious, with most Republicans opposing it. Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS) warned it sets a “dangerous precedent” for publishing findings about former members.

3. Ethical Implications:

• The bipartisan committee emphasized the importance of transparency, with Democratic Rep. Glenn Ivey stating, “The public deserves to know how these investigations are conducted.”