House Ethics Committee Report Reveals Serious Allegations Against Matt Gaetz

The House Ethics Committee has released a report alleging former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz engaged in extensive misconduct, including making tens of thousands of dollars in payments to women and participating in inappropriate behavior while in Congress.

The findings, outlined in a detailed document released Monday, mark a rare instance of the committee publishing a report on a former member who has already resigned.

The report states that Gaetz violated multiple Florida state laws, including those pertaining to exploitation and drug use. Additionally, the committee accused Gaetz of breaching House rules, including those against accepting impermissible gifts and engaging in actions that obstruct congressional processes.

According to the report, Gaetz made payments using platforms like PayPal and Venmo to over a dozen women during his time in office.

Investigators also highlighted a controversial 2018 trip to the Bahamas, during which Gaetz reportedly received gifts exceeding permissible amounts, engaged in improper conduct with multiple women, and consumed illegal substances such as ecstasy. Witnesses on the trip described these activities as violating both ethical and legal standards.

The Bahamas trip was previously investigated by the Department of Justice as part of a broader probe into potential influence related to medical marijuana policies.

The Ethics Committee’s report includes testimony from multiple individuals who attended parties, events, and trips with Gaetz between 2017 and 2020, many of whom confirmed receiving payments for their involvement in these activities.

One particularly troubling allegation involves an encounter in 2017 with a 17-year-old girl who told the committee she received money from Gaetz. She also claimed that controlled substances were used during the encounter. While the committee found no evidence that Gaetz was aware of her age, it cited his failure to verify such information as problematic.

The report further detailed how Gaetz's former girlfriend acted as an intermediary in arranging activities involving other individuals. Text messages included in the report revealed discussions about payments and logistics, as well as references to illicit substances.

In one exchange, Gaetz and a close associate discussed organizing events and payments, highlighting a pattern of questionable behavior.

The Ethics Committee also noted Gaetz’s use of a pseudonymous email account from his House office to purchase marijuana, further implicating him in illegal activity. Witnesses testified that Gaetz frequently consumed controlled substances such as cocaine, marijuana, and ecstasy during social gatherings.

While the Department of Justice closed its federal investigation earlier this year without filing charges, the Ethics Committee resumed its inquiry and expanded its focus to include House rules violations.

Among the committee’s findings was evidence that Gaetz facilitated a passport application for a woman he met through an associate, using his chief of staff to expedite the process even though she did not live in his congressional district.

Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, issuing statements asserting that his actions during his time in Congress were either misconstrued or consensual. He has also criticized the Ethics Committee’s process, alleging bias and accusing the panel of leaking information.

Gaetz filed a civil complaint in federal court Monday morning, claiming he was not properly notified about the report’s release and was denied due process to respond to the allegations.

The committee’s decision to release the report, despite Gaetz’s resignation from Congress last month, has drawn mixed reactions.

Chairman Michael Guest and other Republicans on the panel opposed the release, arguing that it breaks with precedent and could be seen as politically motivated. However, other lawmakers believe Gaetz’s resignation was an attempt to avoid accountability.

Gaetz, who was initially considered for a key position in former President Donald Trump’s cabinet, has since announced his transition to a new role as an anchor for the conservative network One America News. His political future remains uncertain, but the Ethics Committee’s findings could have long-term implications for his public career.

Despite Gaetz’s denials, the committee’s report, which includes financial records, text messages, and testimony, paints a damning picture of his conduct.

While it did not find sufficient evidence to pursue federal charges, the findings highlight serious ethical and legal concerns that could shape discussions about congressional accountability for years to come.