The House Ethics Committee is poised to make public its findings regarding former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), with plans to release the report as early as this week, according to a source familiar with the situation. This decision represents a change for the typically secretive committee, which previously opted against disclosing the investigation’s results just last month.
Following the House’s final vote of the year, the committee intends to publish the report, as the chamber is set to recess for the holidays on Thursday, although lawmakers may stay in session to address a government funding issue.
Gaetz insists on his innocence as Ethics Committee gears up for report release
In response to the reports about the committee’s plans, Gaetz asserted his innocence on Wednesday, criticized the committee, and defended what he characterized as “embarrassing, though not criminal” behavior from his past. When contacted for comment, the Ethics Committee declined to respond.
The report’s imminent release, first reported by CNN, signals the conclusion of a roughly three-and-a-half-year investigation into Gaetz, examining allegations that include sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, among other serious claims.
Additional scrutiny involved accusations of accepting improper gifts, granting special privileges and favors to associates, and attempting to obstruct investigations into his conduct. Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The investigation gained massive attention when Gaetz was nominated by President-elect Trump for the position of attorney general, prompting his resignation from Congress. He later withdrew his nomination and announced he would not return to office in January, a series of events that ignited discussions about whether the committee should release its findings.
Once Gaetz resigned, the panel’s investigation concluded abruptly, as it does not hold jurisdiction over former members of Congress. The committee’s decision to release its report contrasts sharply with the views of Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and several other Republicans, who opposed making the findings public.
Earlier this month, two House Democrats pushed for votes on resolutions aimed at compelling the Ethics Committee to disclose its reports regarding Gaetz. These efforts resulted in a GOP-led vote that referred the matter back to the panel, marking a setback for the Democrats.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) had previously conducted an investigation into Gaetz but chose not to file charges related to allegations involving a sexual encounter with a 17-year-old. On Wednesday, Gaetz highlighted this outcome, declaring himself “FULLY EXONERATED.”
He stated, “The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes. I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me.
Then, the very ‘witnesses’ DOJ deemed not credible were assembled by House Ethics to repeat their claims absent any cross-examination or challenge from me or my attorneys. I’ve had no chance to ever confront any accusers. I’ve never been charged. I’ve never been sued.”
