WASHINGTON D.C. – A recently released report by the House Ethics Committee has detailed numerous allegations against former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz, including claims of illicit drug use and sexual misconduct. The report, made public in December 2024, follows a multi-year investigation into the Florida Republican's conduct while in office.
Among the specific allegations, a witness testified that she observed Gaetz engaging in drug use. "She witnessed him taking cocaine or ecstasy on at least five occasions," the report states, highlighting the nature of the claims. The committee's findings also include allegations that Gaetz paid tens of thousands of dollars to women, "likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use."
The comprehensive report outlines that the committee found "substantial evidence" for various alleged violations of House Rules and other standards of conduct. These include prostitution, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, and obstruction of Congress. The committee documented payments exceeding $90,000 made by Gaetz to a dozen women, often through online services.
Gaetz has vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that the Justice Department had previously "fully exonerated" him in a related criminal investigation that concluded without charges. He also challenged the Ethics Committee's jurisdiction to release the report after his resignation from Congress, which occurred following his withdrawal from consideration for Attorney General.
The investigation into Gaetz began in 2021, paused during the Justice Department's probe, and resumed before the committee voted to release its findings. The report also touched on allegations of sex with a 17-year-old, though the committee noted it found no evidence that Gaetz was aware the individual was underage at the time. The committee did not find evidence that Gaetz violated federal sex-trafficking laws, but stated he "did cause the transportation of women across state lines for purposes of commercial sex."