The House Ethics Committee is investigating GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida on allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use, and obstruction. The committee released a statement revealing the status of the investigation and noted that there has been a significant amount of inaccurate public reporting on the matter. They are looking into accusations that Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct, drug use, accepted improper gifts, dispensed favors, and sought to obstruct government investigations. The committee has spoken with witnesses and reviewed documents, finding that some allegations merit further review.
Multiple sources have reported that at least four women told the House Ethics Committee that they were paid to attend parties with Gaetz where there were sex and drugs. The committee is not taking any further action on allegations related to inappropriate videos on the House floor, misuse of state identification records, conversion of campaign funds, and acceptance of bribes. Investigators appeared to be looking at a closed federal probe into Gaetz, which the Justice Department declined to charge him in last year. Gaetz has been under investigation for several years to determine if he violated sex trafficking laws and obstructed justice.
Gaetz has denied all allegations and accused the House Ethics Committee of opening frivolous investigations. He blamed former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, whom he led a charge to oust last year. Gaetz claimed that every investigation into him has ended in exoneration and criticized the committee for avoiding this fact. Despite the investigations, Gaetz remains confident that he will be cleared of all allegations. The committee emphasized that the existence of an investigation does not mean violations of federal law have occurred.
The Justice Department’s investigation into Gaetz has been ongoing, with the committee putting its probe on hold as the federal investigation unfolded. Gaetz has denied paying for sex or having sex with an underage girl, despite reports from witnesses alleging otherwise. The Ethics Committee’s statement highlighted the challenges in obtaining relevant information from Gaetz and others involved in the investigation. The investigation into Gaetz continues, and the committee will review further allegations that have been identified during the process.
Overall, the House Ethics Committee’s investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz includes allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use, acceptance of gifts, and obstruction of government investigations. The committee has found some allegations worthy of further review and has identified additional claims during the investigation. Gaetz has denied all accusations and criticized the committee for opening new investigations, blaming former Speaker Kevin McCarthy for the scrutiny. The ongoing federal probe into Gaetz’s conduct regarding sex trafficking laws and obstruction of justice has also been a focal point of the investigations.
