Matt Gaetz has long been one of the most controversial members of Congress, and his reputation continues to unravel following the release of an ethics report from his time as a Florida Representative. Although Gaetz is no longer in office, the investigation into his actions, which began in 2020 and concluded in 2021, has cast a long shadow over his career and personal life.
The ethics report, which was finally made public in December, exposes Gaetz’s involvement in a number of troubling activities. The report details payments he made to several women, including a 17-year-old, for sex. However, the findings go far beyond this, revealing that Gaetz also used illicit drugs, including in his Capitol Hill office. The House Ethics Committee found “substantial evidence” that Gaetz violated multiple House Rules and other conduct standards, including prostitution, statutory rape, drug use, and improper gifts.
Despite the damaging evidence, Gaetz has continued to deny any wrongdoing, adopting a stance similar to former President Donald Trump by claiming the accusations are part of a smear campaign. He has even taken legal action to prevent the report’s release, arguing that, as a private citizen, he should not be subject to the House Ethics Committee’s jurisdiction. However, now that the report is out in the open, Gaetz’s claims of innocence are losing credibility.
The report also reveals that Gaetz made payments totaling over $90,000 to 12 different women, which the committee determined were likely connected to sexual activity and drug use. One particularly shocking detail involves a 2018 trip to the Bahamas, where witnesses allege that Gaetz used ecstasy and had sex with multiple women.
While Gaetz was investigated for sex trafficking, no charges were filed in relation to that accusation. However, the report paints a deeply troubling picture of his behavior, focusing on his drug use, the luxury gifts he accepted, and his disregard for rules while in office.
Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Gaetz continues to deny the accusations, sticking to his narrative that he is the target of a politically motivated attack. Though the findings are damning, they might not be enough to end his political career, as controversies within the Republican Party are often overlooked or minimized. Gaetz may still have a future in politics, but the damage to his reputation may be permanent.