Ethics Panel: Gaetz Paid for Sex, Drugs While in Congress

Facts

• A US House Ethics Committee report released Monday detailed findings of a years-long investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), concluding there was substantial evidence of misconduct — including prostitution, drug use, and statutory rape.^[1][2]
• The 37-page report found that Gaetz made payments totaling more than $90K to 12 different women between 2017 and 2020, which investigators determined were likely connected to sexual activity and drug use.^[3][4]
• According to testimony, Gaetz engaged in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl at a party in 2017, providing her $400, which she understood to be payment for sex. However, investigators found no evidence he knew her age at the time.^[5][6]
• The committee also determined Gaetz violated House rules by accepting excessive gifts — including transportation and lodging — during a 2018 Bahamas trip, where witnesses reported he used illegal drugs, including ecstasy.^[1][7]
• The investigation concluded Gaetz knowingly and willfully attempted to obstruct the committee's work by failing to comply with subpoenas and providing minimal documentation. This comes after Gaetz unsuccessfully tried to get a restraining order to stop the report's release.^[1][7][8]
• Gaetz resigned from Congress in November 2023 because he was nominated for attorney general by Pres.-elect Donald Trump. Gaetz later withdrew from consideration amid opposition.^[3][4]

Sources: ^[1]Breitbart, ^[2]PBS NewsHour, ^[3]BBC News, ^[4]Associated Press, ^[5]FOX News, ^[6]NPR Online News, ^[7]The Guardian and ^[8]NBC.

Narratives

• Republican narrative, as provided by Townhall and Daily Caller. Considering the Department of Justice didn't see fit to charge Gaetz with any crimes after its own investigation, the decision to release this report is nothing more than a politically motivated smear job. The report relies too much on the testimony of a convicted felon, setting a dangerous precedent for releasing the results of future House probes under similarly smarmy circumstances.
• Democratic narrative, as provided by The Atlantic and Axios. While it would take another criminal investigation to fully prove Gaetz is guilty of the accusations in this report, his efforts to prevent the results' release paint him as a man with something to hide. It should be noted that two Republicans joined with Democrats in authorizing the report's release. Even if he won't face criminal charges, at least Gaetz's political career is now off track.