“This Report Is Beyond Disturbing”: Ethics Committee Details Allegations Against Matt Gaetz
AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File
Details leaked Monday about the House Ethics Committee’s investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), revealing allegations that shocked and disgusted critics of the controversial Republican. The 37-page report, set to be officially released later in the day, alleges that Gaetz violated House rules and laws prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors, and obstruction of Congress.
While rumors of Gaetz’s alleged behavior have circulated for years, the report’s detailed documentation left many appalled. It cites “substantial evidence” of misconduct, including allegations that Gaetz paid for sex with women and an underage girl.
Former Republican Ana Navarro-Cárdenas expressed her revulsion and criticized President-elect Donald Trump for previously nominating Gaetz to be attorney general. “This report is beyond disturbing,” she wrote on X. “It alleges criminal acts, including with a minor. And Gaetz is the guy Trump initially wanted to be his Attorney General. God help us.”
Sarah Longwell, a former Republican pollster, echoed the sentiment. “Trump wanted this guy to be the highest law enforcement official in our country,” she wrote on BlueSky, questioning Trump’s judgment.
Critics also tied the allegations to broader Republican rhetoric. Software engineer Alex Cole took aim at the GOP’s accusations of Democrats sexualizing children, remarking, “So all this time Matt Gaetz has been the groomer Republicans warned us about?”
Trump wanted this guy to be the highest law enforcement official in our country.
— Sarah Longwell (@sarahlongwell25.bsky.social) December 23, 2024 at 5:26 PM
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The report has significant implications for Gaetz’s political future. Elections forecaster Lakshya Jain predicted that the revelations likely spell the end of Gaetz’s career. “Virtually no chance he wins the 2026 Florida gubernatorial primary (unless Trump pulls out all the stops for him and the field is split),” Jain wrote.
Some found the details of the report particularly bizarre. Washington Post columnist Catherine Rampell highlighted an incident where Gaetz’s former girlfriend informed women allegedly paid for sex that Gaetz was “a little limited in their cashflow this weekend” and suggested it be treated as “more of a customer appreciation week.” Rampell’s reaction was blunt: “What the…”
Even those with incidental ties to Gaetz voiced frustration. Media Matters’s Matt Gertz, often confused for the congressman online, quipped, “Just cruising into the holiday season, nothing bad could possibly happen today oh come on,” after news of the report broke.
As the details come to light, Gaetz’s political ambitions and personal reputation appear irreparably damaged. The Ethics Committee’s findings underscore the gravity of the allegations and intensify scrutiny of those who supported him.
What the
— Catherine Rampell (@crampell.bsky.social) December 23, 2024 at 6:36 PM
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just cruising into the holiday season, nothing bad could possibly happen today oh come on
— Matthew Gertz (@mattgertz.bsky.social) December 23, 2024 at 6:19 PM
