A report released today by the House Ethics Committee said that former Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida regularly paid women for sex, had sex with an underage girl and used illegal drugs while he was in Congress.
Gaetz was Donald Trump’s initial pick to lead the Justice Department, but he withdrew from consideration after misconduct allegations appeared likely to derail his Senate confirmation.
The panel’s 37-page report was written after a lengthy investigation. It concluded that Gaetz violated Florida’s sexual misconduct laws and House rules. In 2017, the report said, Gaetz “engaged in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl,” who was paid. It also accused Gaetz of using or possessing illegal drugs, including cocaine and Ecstasy, “on multiple occasions,” and of accepting lavish gifts. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing.
Gaetz mounted a last-ditch effort today to block the report’s release, first in court and then on social media. “Giving funds to someone you are dating — that they didn’t ask for — and that isn’t ‘charged’ for sex is now prostitution?!?” he wrote.