A U.S. House Ethics Committee report revealed that former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz paid $90,000 to 12 women for drugs and sex, violating House rules and obstructing Congress. The report also found substantial evidence that Gaetz had sex with a 17-year-old in 2017, which likely violated Florida’s statutory rape laws.
“Victim A” testified to twice having sex with Gaetz at a party, receiving $400 in exchange, but claimed Gaetz was unaware of her age. Gaetz, 35 at the time, denied underage sex allegations but did not specifically address “Victim A.”
The panel stated Gaetz violated standards prohibiting prostitution, illicit drug use, and improper gifts. While Gaetz transported women across state lines for commercial sex, there was no evidence they were underage during travel or that federal sex trafficking laws were breached.
Gaetz resigned last month after being selected as attorney general by President-elect Donald Trump, later withdrawing amid Senate opposition. He had filed a legal challenge to block the report, arguing the Ethics Committee lacked jurisdiction post-resignation, but his lawyers conceded its irrelevance after publication.
Gaetz, on social media, admitted to “partying” and “womanizing” earlier in life, calling it embarrassing but not criminal.
The FBI had previously investigated Gaetz for sex trafficking but filed no charges. Gaetz, a key player in ousting Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023, faced criticism for his behavior even as the committee chairman questioned the precedent of releasing a report on a former House member.
Also read: Singapore’s Core Inflation Hits 3-Year Low in November
