House Ethics’ scathing report on former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz released

A final draft of the House Ethics Committee’s report on former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, who was President-elect Donald Trump’s first choice for attorney general, revealed shocking allegations. The committee determined there is substantial evidence that Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress. The committee investigated transactions Gaetz personally made, often using PayPal or Venmo, to more than a dozen women during his time in Congress.

The report lists payments to different women between 2017 to 2020 and alleges the money was likely connected to sexual activity and drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy. The committee also obtained testimony that alleges Gaetz had sex twice with a 17-year-old girl. The victim told the committee she recalled receiving $400 in cash from Gaetz, which she understood to be payment for sex.

Gaetz is also accused of creating a fake email from his Capitol Hill office for the purpose of purchasing marijuana and referred to drugs as party favors, rolls, and vitamins. The report did not uncover sufficient evidence of violations of federal sex trafficking laws. Although Gaetz did cause the transportation of women across state lines for purposes of commercial sex, the committee did not find evidence that any of those women were under 18 at the time of travel, nor did the committee find sufficient evidence to conclude that the commercial sex acts were induced by force, fraud, or coercion.

Matt Gaetz has denied any improper conduct.

Gaetz refused to sit for sworn testimony and only submitted written answers to some of the committee’s questions. The committee also alleged that Gaetz knowingly and willfully sought to impede and obstruct the investigation. The committee concluded that Gaetz violated Florida state laws, including the state’s statutory rape law. The committee had initially voted to not release the findings after Gaetz resigned from Congress in November 2024.

However, the committee reversed that decision and voted in secret in early December 2024. While ethics reports have previously been released after a member’s resignation, it is extremely rare.