The House Ethics Committee announced on Tuesday that it needs to further review allegations against Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., involving sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and accepting improper gifts. The committee also accused Gaetz of being uncooperative with its probe and said it had 'difficulty in obtaining relevant information' from him.
Gaetz has been under a years-long House investigation, spurred by the Department of Justice (DOJ), looking into reports in early 2021 that he had a relationship with an underage girl. The DOJ declined to charge Gaetz in 2023.
The bipartisan committee, led by Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., rarely releases such lengthy public statements. Its investigation into Gaetz, which kicked off in April 2021, has attracted widespread media attention – which the panel noted.
The committee mentioned that there has been a significant amount of public reporting on its activities this Congress, with much of it being inaccurate. The committee also noted that Gaetz denies all allegations.
Based on its review to date, the Committee has determined that certain allegations merit continued review. It has identified additional allegations that also merit review, including accusations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, accepting improper gifts, dispensing special privileges, and seeking to obstruct government investigations.
The committee clarified that it is no longer reviewing accusations related to inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misusing state identification records, converting campaign funds to personal use, or accepting a bribe or improper gratuity.
When reached for further comment, Gaetz's office referred to a post criticizing the investigation. Gaetz criticized the House Ethics Committee in the post, calling for cooperation on banning Congressional stock trading instead of opening new investigations.
Gaetz also criticized former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, suggesting that the investigations were politically motivated. He expressed confidence in the support of his constituents despite the ongoing scrutiny.
