#Gaetz Ethics Report

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Alex Samuels at Daily Kos:

Embattled ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida was allegedly found to have paid multiple women—including a 17-year-old high school student—for sex and to have consumed illegal drugs while in office, according to a report from his former peers. Gaetz, who resigned from the House in November as part of his brief stint as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, bowed out of consideration for the role once it became clear that even his fellow Republicans wouldn’t support his bid. A damning, comprehensive investigative report from the House Ethics Committee, whose final draft was analyzed by CBS News and other outlets, make it clear why.

Investigators found that Gaetz allegedly violated several state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office. The Committee released the 37-page report Monday, even as Gaetz sought a restraining order. “The Committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” panel investigators wrote, according to CBS News. The committee reports speaking with more than a half-dozen witnesses who attended various parties and trips with Gaetz between 2017 and 2020, when he was representing Florida’s 1st Congressional District. “Nearly every young woman that the Committee interviewed confirmed that she was paid for sex by, or on behalf of, Representative Gaetz,” the panel’s report reads. Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and has not been criminally charged. In a Wednesday post to the social media platform X, the former representative said that he “NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18.” In the same message, he also made the eyebrow-raising admission that he “often sent funds to women I dated—even some I never dated but who asked.”

[...] According to CNN, the ethics panel reviewed transactions Gaetz made—often using mobile payment service apps, including PayPal or Venmo—to over a dozen women. “From 2017 to 2020, Representative Gaetz made tens of thousands of dollars in payments to women that the Committee determined were likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use,” reads the report, which lists over $90,000 in payments to 12 women.

The ethics report naming former Congressman and soon-to-be OANN host Matt Gaetz features drug use, payments for sex, and more.

See Also:

The Guardian: Matt Gaetz ethics report finds evidence he paid for sex with minor

HuffPost: Matt Gaetz Paid Thousands For Drugs And Sex, House Ethics Report Shows

[saywhat-politics]

CNN — 

The Justice Department has informed lawyers for Rep. Matt Gaetz and multiple witnesses that it will not bring charges against the Florida Republican after a yearslong federal sex-trafficking investigation.

Senior officials reached out to lawyers for multiple witnesses on Wednesday, a source familiar with the matter told CNN, to inform them of the decision not to prosecute Gaetz.

The final decision was made by Department of Justice leadership after investigators recommended against charges last year.

“We have just spoken with the DOJ and have been informed that they have concluded their investigation into Congressman Gaetz and allegations related to sex trafficking and obstruction of justice and they have determined not to bring any charges against him,” Gaetz’s lawyers, Marc Mukasey and Isabelle Kirshner, said in a statement.

Tim Jansen, a high-powered lawyer representing the congressman’s ex-girlfriend, said that DOJ officials reached out to him Wednesday and told him they would not be charging Gaetz. The ex-girlfriend was a key witness in the case and had testified before the grand jury in Orlando last year.

The congressman’s office said in a separate statement that the department informed them the investigation has ended and no charges will be brought.

[gwydionmisha]

CW: CSA

[kizo2703]

Matt Gaetz ethics report

Matt Gaetz full report is out - "there is substantial evidence that Rep Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress”.

[hypelens]

Matt Gaetz Under Scrutiny: Ethics Report Unveils Serious Allegations

Controversial Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz is once again in the spotlight following the release of a damning House ethics report that details numerous allegations against him, including claims of payments for sex and drug use. The report, which surfaced on December 23, 2024, has raised significant concerns about Gaetz’s conduct while serving in Congress.

Key Findings of the Ethics Report

According to CNN, the House ethics report presents a trove of new details that illuminate a troubling pattern of behavior by Gaetz. The allegations suggest that he engaged in inappropriate relationships and made payments to individuals in exchange for sexual favors. These revelations have prompted calls for further investigation and accountability, as they raise serious ethical questions about his fitness for office.

The report also highlights a series of incidents that involve drug use and other questionable activities. As detailed by CBS News, the findings paint a troubling picture of Gaetz’s alleged misconduct, which critics argue undermines the integrity of the House of Representatives. The report’s release has reignited discussions about the standards of conduct expected from lawmakers and the consequences of failing to meet those standards.

read more in google news

The Response from Gaetz and His Allies

In response to the report, Gaetz has vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that they are part of a politically motivated attack against him. He and his supporters claim that the timing of the report’s release is suspicious and aimed at damaging his reputation ahead of crucial political events. Furthermore, Gaetz has indicated that he plans to fight the findings, vowing to clear his name and maintain his position in Congress.

The controversy surrounding Gaetz is not new; he has faced scrutiny for various incidents in the past, including his association with far-right figures and his outspoken support for controversial policies. This latest report adds to the growing list of challenges he faces as he navigates his political career amidst ongoing investigations.

Implications for Gaetz and Congress

The implications of this report could be far-reaching, not only for Gaetz but also for the Republican Party as a whole. With the House set to reconvene after the holidays, party leaders may face pressure to address the situation and consider the impact of Gaetz’s continued presence in Congress on their public image.

As reported by WOOD TV, the ethics report has already sparked discussions among lawmakers about the need for stricter oversight and accountability measures to ensure that such allegations are thoroughly investigated and addressed. The broader political ramifications of this scandal could influence the Republican Party’s strategy heading into the upcoming election cycle.

read more in google news

Conclusion

The release of the ethics report detailing serious allegations against Matt Gaetz marks a significant moment in the ongoing scrutiny of his conduct as a member of Congress. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Gaetz and the House of Representatives to see how they respond to these troubling revelations. The outcome of this controversy could have lasting effects on Gaetz’s political future and the Republican Party’s reputation in the eyes of voters.

[newsamerics24]

Matt Gaetz ethics report says his drug use and sex with a minor violated state laws

[roosterjournal]

Gaetz Fights Back Against Ethics Committee Report Release

Former Congressman Matt Gaetz from Florida has taken legal action to prevent the release of a report from the House Ethics Committee regarding allegations about his conduct. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., where Gaetz’s legal team argues that he is innocent and that the claims made in the report are false. They also contend that the committee no longer has jurisdiction…

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Sara Boboltz at HuffPost:

After a secret vote earlier this month, the House Ethics Committee decided to reverse course and publicly release its report on accusations of sex trafficking and other alleged misconduct by former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), according to multiple outlets. The document will reportedly be released after the final day of House votes this term — meaning it could come out as soon as Thursday. A full House vote on whether to make the report public failed Dec. 5, largely along party lines. The ethics investigation came after a former friend of Gaetz pleaded guilty to paying a minor for sex and pointed federal investigators to the Florida congressman, who is unpopular even within his own party. The Justice Department began investigating Gaetz for alleged sex trafficking but closed its probe without filing any charges in 2023.

The House Ethics Committee’s report is therefore the best opportunity for the public to learn about what Gaetz may or may not have done, as his political future remains up in the air. Gaetz abruptly resigned his seat in November when President-elect Donald Trump named him as his pick for attorney general — positioning Gaetz to lead the department that once investigated him. It became clear over the following weeks, however, that he did not have the support he needed among Republicans in the Senate for confirmation; senators of both parties said they were eager to see the ethics report. Trump subsequently announced that he intends to nominate Pam Bondi, the former Florida state attorney general. Gaetz reacted angrily to the news of the report’s release on social media, emphasizing how he has never been charged over the alleged crimes.

The Matt Gaetz ethics report will finally come out, as the House Ethics Committee reportedly voted secretly to release it.

See Also:

Daily Kos: House reportedly releasing results of Gaetz ethics probe after all

NCRM: Gaetz Rages at Secret Vote to Release Ethics Report, Insists He Was ‘Fully Exonerated’

[satireinfo]

Matt Gaetz Withdraws Faster Than a Politician at a Lie Detector Test

Matt Gaetz Withdraws Faster Than a Politician at a Lie Detector Test Trump’s DOJ Drama Spins On! WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a turn of events so predictable it might as well have been written into a Netflix drama, Matt Gaetz has bowed out of his nomination for attorney general just 12 days after it was announced. The Florida congressman, known for his firebrand style and unapologetic Twitter presence,…

[m-o-p-e]

how is this man still allowed to serve??!!! HOW?!?!!!!

the law and order and family values party ladies and gentlemen smfh

[batboyblog]

"The Committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress,"

[1americanconservative]

@JDunlap1974

BREAKING : The House Ethics Committee has been accused of lying in three instances within report on Matt Gaetz, allegedly misrepresenting witness testimony, according to Chris Dorworth.

The lies blow enormous holes in any credibility that remained in the Pelosi House Ethics Committee report on Gaetz.

[saywhat-politics]

Many people pointed out the irony of how he was the only vote against the 2017 Human Trafficking Bill.

The release of the House Ethics Committee’s report about former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz caused quite a stir on social media.

Of course, that was expected to happen considering the report is chock full of shocking allegations that Gaetz violated House rules “prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress” ― as well as basic rules of conduct.

[politicalantibody]

But won't the report still be relevant when he is sworn in two months hence? Same slimeball, same crimes, same office.

In other words, it was an empty gesture

He resigned so the report wouldn't come out. Legally.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Emily Singer at Daily Kos:

Fresh off his resignation from Congress after his nomination for attorney general went up in flames due to his penchant for allegedly paying minors for sex at drug-fueled parties, former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida now says he is thinking about running for governor of the Sunshine State.

“I have a compelling vision for the state,” Gaetz told the Tampa Bay Times, confirming speculation that Gaetz was not yet done with elected office and could be plotting a comeback. “I understand how to fix the insurance problem, and it’s not to hand the keys to the state over to the insurance industry. If I run, I would be the most pro-consumer candidate on the Republican side.” It's unclear if Gaetz could make it through a Republican primary, given the hefty load of baggage he carries. The House Ethics Committee released a report in December that found, among other things, that Gaetz paid for sex with a 17-year-old high school student. “The Committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” House Ethics Committee investigators wrote in the report.

[...] What Gaetz has going for him in a potential gubernatorial bid is that he is popular among the MAGA faithful—which constitutes a big chunk of the Republican electorate that will choose the GOP nominee. Florida’s governor’s race will be open, as current Gov. Ron DeSantis is term limited. Also a wildcard is whether Donald Trump, who likes Gaetz and nominated him to be his attorney general, would throw his support behind Gaetz's possible gubernatorial bid. If he did, Gaetz would immediately be the GOP front-runner. However, given his baggage, Gaetz is likely one of the few Republican candidates who could make Florida's governor race competitive for Democrats in a general election. “*anyone* other than Matt Gaetz would be clearly favored to win Florida in any environment at this point. Gaetz is the only person who would make it a tossup, and I'd take the under on him if I had to, even at those odds,” Lakshya Jain, an election handicapper, wrote in a post on X. While he mulls over a bid, Gaetz is currently hosting a show on the little-watched right-wing propaganda network One America News, which has terrible production value and a makeup staff that makes Gaetz look like an airbrushed pumpkin.

Could Matt Gaetz be making a comeback, this time for Florida Governor?