Ethical Breach Claims Shadow Gaetz: House Report Unveils Controversies

A House ethics report has detailed significant misconduct allegations against former Congressman Matt Gaetz, revealing expenditures on sex and drugs and claiming he violated multiple Congressional standards.

Former Congressman Matt Gaetz has come under scrutiny following the release of a House ethics committee report that alleges he spent tens of thousands of dollars on sex and drugs during his time in office. The report follows a lengthy investigation into accusations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use against Gaetz, who was once considered for a high-profile position as US attorney general by then-President Trump.

The ethics committee's report indicates that Gaetz, 42, received gifts exceeding allowed amounts during a 2018 trip to the Bahamas. Despite the weight of evidence, Gaetz has consistently claimed innocence and suggested that he is the victim of a coordinated smear campaign. The committee's findings assert that Gaetz violated House rules, which prohibit actions such as prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, and obfuscation of Congress.

Between 2017 and 2020, Gaetz reportedly made over $90,000 in payments to 12 different women, which the committee correlates with sexual activities and drug consumption. One disturbing claim within the report details that Gaetz allegedly paid $400 to a 17-year-old at a party in 2017, a charge he has denied. Although the Department of Justice previously investigated allegations involving a minor, no charges were ultimately filed.

In a recent court filing, Gaetz attempted to prevent the report’s release, arguing that the ethics committee overstepped its authority regarding public disclosure. The 42-page report characterized Gaetz as "uncooperative" throughout the investigation and noted that he failed to respond to a subpoena requesting his testimony.

Despite steps taken to avoid public scrutiny, the ethics committee decided to release the report, drawing a rare public interest exception following Gaetz’s withdrawal from consideration for the attorney general post. This release has provoked debate among both Democrats and Republicans regarding the nature of Gaetz's behavior and Trump’s decisions in nominating him.

The ethics committee has investigated Gaetz intermittently since 2021 on various allegations, including bribery and campaign fund misuse—all of which he continues to deny. Following Gaetz’s withdrawal from his nomination, Trump appointed Pam Bondi to take up the attorney general nominations. House Democrats criticized both Gaetz and Trump for their perceived lack of judgment in their professional affiliations.

In statements made on social media, Gaetz expressed frustration regarding the timing of the report's release, suggesting it was strategized to minimize his ability to contest the allegations effectively. While he acknowledged past behaviors that may have been reckless, he firmly claims to live a "different life now."