House Ethics Committee Report Reveals Detailed Allegations Against Matt Gaetz
The House Ethics Committee has released a detailed report outlining allegations against former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, accusing him of paying tens of thousands of dollars to women for sex or drugs on at least 20 occasions between 2017 and 2020. The report, accompanied by an 11-page ledger of financial transactions, sheds light on a yearslong investigation into Gaetz’s conduct while in office.
Key Allegations in the Report
The committee’s findings indicate Gaetz made payments to women via cash, checks, and digital payment platforms, sometimes using a pseudonymous email account. The report claims these transactions were often labeled as “groceries,” “dry clean,” or “reimbursement,” but other descriptors like “Relaxation” and “Being my friend” suggest a different context. The report further alleges:
- Payments to a Minor: Gaetz allegedly paid a 17-year-old girl for sex in 2017, a claim he has consistently denied.
- Drug-Related Transactions: Text messages included in the report show Gaetz requesting “cartridges,” “vitamins,” and “party favors,” which witnesses testified were code for marijuana and ecstasy.
- Tuition Payment: In one exchange, Gaetz reportedly paid $1,500 in tuition for an online course for a woman who allegedly provided him with drugs.
- Coordination with Joel Greenberg: Payments to Joel Greenberg, a former associate who pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor in 2022, were also noted. The report alleges Greenberg sometimes acted as an intermediary, reimbursed by Gaetz for transactions with women.
Gaetz’s Response
Gaetz has denied all allegations, maintaining that he never paid anyone for sex or engaged in illicit drug use. He dismissed the report as relying on “non-credible” witnesses and insisted the claims were baseless. On social media, Gaetz characterized his financial transactions as support for women he dated or helped financially, denying any illegal conduct.
In response to the report’s release, Gaetz filed a lawsuit against the Ethics Committee in an attempt to block its publication, arguing procedural violations. However, the lawsuit was rendered moot after the report’s official release.
Testimonies and Controversies
The committee’s report drew heavily on testimonies from witnesses, including two women represented by a single attorney, who claimed the findings corroborated their statements. The report also includes text messages where women allegedly complained about inadequate payments from Gaetz, further implicating him in unethical behavior.
Gaetz’s friend and Florida lobbyist Christopher Dorworth has contested parts of the report, claiming it contains “false statements.” Dorworth’s attorney pointed to discrepancies, including whether Gaetz invited people to a party at Dorworth’s home in 2017 and the characterization of evidence presented during a deposition.
Federal Inquiry and Greenberg’s Role
The Ethics Committee’s findings follow a now-closed federal investigation into Gaetz that concluded without charges. The inquiry focused on allegations of underage sex trafficking and illicit drug use, with Greenberg playing a central role. While Greenberg’s guilty plea in 2022 confirmed elements of the allegations, federal prosecutors ultimately did not charge Gaetz.
Implications and Political Fallout
The release of the Ethics Committee’s report has reignited debates about accountability in Congress. While Gaetz remains adamant about his innocence, the detailed allegations have cast a long shadow over his political career. The report raises questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms and the long-term consequences for lawmakers facing serious allegations.
Next Steps
As the Ethics Committee’s findings circulate, Gaetz’s legal team has indicated plans to continue disputing the report’s claims. However, the release of the report, along with its detailed ledger and witness testimonies, has amplified public scrutiny and could prompt further investigations.
Gaetz’s political future hangs in the balance as the fallout from the Ethics Committee’s report continues to unfold.
