Matt Gaetz, who was briefly Donald Trump’s nominee for US attorney general, has been accused by a committee of paying women for sex, including a 17-year-old girl, and using drugs while serving as a member of Congress.
The House Ethics Committee’s report found “substantial evidence” that the former Florida congressman violated House rules, state and federal laws, as well as other standards of conduct prohibiting activities such as prostitution, statutory rape, drug use, and obstruction of Congress.
The committee also alleged that the 42-year-old accepted gifts of luxury travel exceeding permissible limits, including a trip to the Bahamas in 2018.
According to the House of Representatives panel, “From 2017 to 2020, Representative Gaetz made payments totaling tens of thousands of dollars to women for what the Committee determined to be related to sexual activity and/or drug use.”
Despite denying any wrongdoing, the Republican had sought a restraining order against the committee to prevent the release of its investigative report.
Mr Gaetz had previously withdrawn his consideration for US attorney general, citing distraction during the transition of Mr Trump’s administration.
Donald Trump and Matt Gaetz in August 2023. Pic: Reuters
The Florida Republican had come under scrutiny for previous sex trafficking allegations investigated by the department he was intended to lead.
Although re-elected to the House of Representatives, Mr Gaetz resigned after his nomination as attorney general.
The 37-page House report stated: “Between 2017 and 2020, Representative Gaetz regularly paid women for engaging in sexual activities with him.
“In 2017, Representative Gaetz had sexual relations with a 17-year-old girl. Additionally, from 2017 to 2019, he used or possessed illegal drugs, such as cocaine and ecstasy, on multiple occasions.”
‘Sex with 17-year-old girl’
The ethics panel heard testimony indicating that Mr Gaetz engaged in sexual activities with a 17-year-old girl identified as Victim A.
According to the report: “Victim A confirmed receiving $400 in cash from Representative Gaetz, which she believed was payment for sex.
“Victim A stated that she did not disclose her age to Representative Gaetz at the time, nor did he inquire about her age.”
The Justice Department conducted a three-year investigation into Mr Gaetz regarding sex trafficking allegations, but no criminal charges were filed.
The ethics panel concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove a violation of the federal sex trafficking statute by Mr Gaetz.
All the women who provided testimony stated that the sexual encounters with Mr Gaetz were consensual.
‘I feel violated’
Despite this, one woman informed the committee that drug use at the events and parties they attended may have affected their ability to fully comprehend the situation and consent.
Another woman expressed: “When I reflect on certain instances, I feel violated.”