Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) is defending his previous conduct, which he describes as “embarrassing, though not criminal,” while also criticizing the House Ethics Committee after reports emerged indicating that the committee has decided to disclose its findings regarding him.
These remarks followed news that the Ethics Committee intends to release its findings once the House completes its voting for the year, potentially as early as later this week. A source confirmed this information to The Hill.
Gaetz denies underage allegations and criticizes process as unfair and lacking cross-examination
In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Gaetz referenced the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) decision not to file charges against him after investigating claims related to a sexual encounter with a 17-year-old, asserting that he was “FULLY EXONERATED.” He acknowledged, however, that his past was “embarrassing.”
“In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated – even some I never dated but who asked. I dated several of these women for years. I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18. Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court – which is why no such claim was ever made in court,” Gaetz stated. “My 30s were an era of working very hard – and playing hard too.
It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank, and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now.” The Hill has reached out to the Ethics Committee for further details.
The House Ethics Committee began investigating Gaetz in 2021, focusing on allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. Additionally, he was scrutinized for purportedly accepting improper gifts, granting special favors to individuals he had personal relationships with, and attempting to obstruct investigations into his conduct.
The news that the Ethics Committee is preparing to release its investigative results marks a move for the panel, which previously voted against disclosing the report last month. Chair Michael Guest (R-Miss.) confirmed to The Hill that the committee held its final meeting of the 118th Congress last week, although he did not reveal what was discussed.
For weeks, the panel, known for its typically secretive operations, has been deliberating on whether to make its findings regarding Gaetz public. The issue gained traction following President-elect Trump’s nomination of Gaetz for the position of attorney general, prompting Gaetz to resign from Congress immediately.
The investigation was abruptly halted upon Gaetz’s resignation, as the committee lacks jurisdiction over former members. Faced with challenges to his confirmation in the Senate, he finally withdrew his name from consideration and announced he would not reclaim his House seat in January.
Since Gaetz’s resignation, tensions have risen within the committee over the contentious discussion regarding the report’s release. Last month, Rep. Susan Wild (Pa.), the leading Democrat on the panel, was absent from a meeting after being identified as a source leaking information about the Gaetz investigation to the media.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other Republicans publicly opposed the Ethics Committee’s decision to release its report on Gaetz, arguing that it would be inappropriate to issue a report on a former member. Although rare, the panel has previously released findings concerning former members. Gaetz criticized the committee for persisting in its investigation despite the DOJ’s decision not to charge him.
“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,” Gaetz stated. “I’ve had no chance to ever confront any accusers. I’ve never been charged. I’ve never been sued.”
“Instead, House Ethics will reportedly post a report online that I have no opportunity to debate or rebut as a former member of the body,” he added. As he prepares to become a host on One America News Network, the former lawmaker took one last jab at Congress as it gets ready to vote on a 1,500-page spending bill this week. “But at least I didn’t vote for CRs that f—- over the country!” Gaetz remarked.
