A leaked report from the House Ethics Committee has revealed that there is “insufficient evidence” to support allegations that former Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) violated federal sex trafficking laws. This finding echoes the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) earlier decision not to charge Gaetz after an extensive investigation into similar claims.
The report, which spans 37 pages, was shared with POLITICO over the weekend and is seen by many as a politically motivated attack on the outspoken Florida congressman. Gaetz, a prominent figure in the MAGA movement, has consistently denied the allegations, framing them as baseless smears.
The Ethics Committee report alleges that Gaetz engaged in conduct violating House Rules and federal laws, including claims of statutory rape, prostitution, and illicit drug use. However, it also concedes that there was no substantial evidence to prove Gaetz’s involvement in federal sex trafficking.
Central to the allegations is the claim that Gaetz had sexual relations with a 17-year-old girl at a party in 2017. Gaetz has categorically denied this accusation, calling it an “outrageous lie” and asserting that such claims would not hold up in a court of law.
“These claims would be destroyed in court — which is why they were never made in any court against me,” Gaetz said in a fiery response to the leaked findings.
The DOJ’s earlier investigation into these allegations also failed to result in charges. Witnesses, including women allegedly involved, testified that their encounters with Gaetz were consensual and lawful.
Supporters of Gaetz argue that the report is the culmination of a vendetta orchestrated by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Gaetz was instrumental in McCarthy’s removal as Speaker, a move that left deep divisions within the Republican Party.
The timing of the report has raised eyebrows, coming just weeks after Gaetz resigned from Congress and amid speculation about his potential role in the incoming Trump administration. Gaetz’s allies view the report as an attempt to derail his career and tarnish his reputation within conservative circles.
“This is nothing more than a political hit job,” said one MAGA-aligned commentator. “The swamp is terrified of Matt Gaetz, and they’ll do anything to take him down.”
The Ethics Committee has faced significant backlash from conservative quarters, with many comparing it to the controversial January 6 Committee. Critics argue that both investigations were politically motivated and lacked credibility.
Gaetz’s resignation from Congress in November further complicated the Ethics Committee’s jurisdiction over him. Gaetz attempted to block the report’s release, arguing that as a private citizen, he should no longer be subject to congressional oversight. The committee dismissed his objections and released the findings, sparking outrage among his supporters.
Despite the controversy, Gaetz remains defiant. He has indicated plans to remain active in the conservative movement, whether through media ventures or a potential return to public office.
“Matt Gaetz is not going anywhere,” said a close associate. “He’s a fighter, and he’s not going to let baseless allegations stop him from advocating for the American people.”
Gaetz has already hinted at a possible role in the Trump administration, with many speculating he could take on a key position in efforts to reform Washington, D.C.
The leaked report has sparked a wave of reactions across the political spectrum. While critics of Gaetz argue that the report highlights serious ethical concerns, his supporters see it as vindication of his innocence regarding the most serious allegations.
“This report proves what we’ve known all along,” said a Gaetz supporter. “The DOJ didn’t charge him because there was no case. This is just another example of the establishment trying to silence a voice for the people.”
Opponents, however, point to the broader allegations in the report, arguing that they raise questions about Gaetz’s conduct during his time in Congress.
As the dust settles from the Ethics Committee’s report, Gaetz’s future remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that he remains a force to be reckoned with in the conservative movement.
Whether through political office, media platforms, or grassroots activism, Gaetz seems determined to stay in the spotlight — and his supporters are ready to stand with him every step of the way.
