A newly released report by the House Ethics Committee has unveiled startling details about Matt Gaetz, a prominent ally of Donald Trump and former congressman from Florida. The report, published on Monday, highlights allegations of misconduct, new accusations, and insights into the committee’s investigation.
From 2017 to 2020, the committee found that Gaetz engaged in serious misconduct. The report alleges he regularly paid women for sex, including a 17-year-old girl, used illegal drugs, accepted gifts beyond permissible limits, and even facilitated a passport application for a woman he was involved with. Despite resigning from Congress in November, just days before the report’s release, Gaetz has denied the findings, claiming the investigation was unfair.
Here are four key revelations from the much-anticipated report:
A Complex Money Trail
The investigation uncovered that Gaetz spent over $90,000 on women for sex and drugs, using a web of transactions to obscure the payments. Often, he relied on his friend Joel Greenberg—now serving an 11-year prison sentence for related crimes—as an intermediary. Gaetz allegedly used Greenberg’s account on a luxury dating site, SeekingArrangement.com, to connect with young women.
Gaetz reportedly made payments through platforms like Venmo or PayPal, often under fake names or using other people’s accounts. In one instance, he issued a check to a college student labeled “tuition reimbursement,” which she claimed was given after a group encounter. She described this payment as potentially coercive, as she urgently needed the money.
Gaetz maintained on social media that these payments were gifts, not transactions. However, the committee found evidence suggesting otherwise. One woman considered his girlfriend, invoked her Fifth Amendment right when questioned about receiving money for sex or drugs.
Sex, Drugs, and Dubious Relationships
The report highlights Gaetz’s alleged drug use, including cocaine and MDMA, but focuses on what appears to be heavy marijuana use. He reportedly asked women to bring marijuana cartridges to meetings and used a fake email to facilitate purchases.
The report also details a trip to the Bahamas, allegedly funded by a marijuana industry associate, who reportedly also paid for escorts. Women who attended parties with Gaetz told the committee they often consumed drugs or alcohol to the point of impaired judgment.
One woman revealed she had sex with Gaetz at the age of 17, at least once in front of others, while under the influence of ecstasy. Although the committee found no evidence Gaetz knew she was underage, the incident has raised serious ethical and legal questions.
Passport Assistance with Strings Attached
Gaetz reportedly directed his chief of staff to expedite a passport application for a woman he was romantically involved with. He justified this by claiming she was a voter in his district and also allegedly gave her $1,000. The committee highlighted this as a clear violation of House rules.
Denial and Resignation
Gaetz’s resignation from Congress came just before the report’s release and coincided with Trump’s announcement of him as a potential pick for US Attorney General. Gaetz has continued to deny all allegations, branding the committee’s findings as a politically motivated attack.
This report sheds light on a troubling chapter in the career of the former congressman and raises broader questions about accountability and ethics in public office.
