The House Ethics Committee released its report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) on Monday, detailing allegations that Gaetz paid an underage girl for sex and other illicit activities. The report also criticized the Department of Justice (DOJ) under Merrick Garland for hindering a more thorough investigation.
According to the Ethics Committee, their efforts to fully investigate the claims were obstructed by uncooperative witnesses and delays caused by the DOJ. “The Committee was not able to speak with every woman who received payments from Representative Gaetz that were suspected of being part of illicit activity,” the report stated. It noted that some women initially responded but later refused to participate, citing fears of retaliation or unwillingness to relive their interactions with Gaetz.
The report highlighted the DOJ’s refusal to cooperate meaningfully, stating, “Due to the women’s reluctance to cooperate, as well as the delay caused by DOJ’s deferral request and subsequent refusal to provide meaningful cooperation, the Committee was unable to determine the full extent to which Representative Gaetz’s payments to women were compensation for engaging in sexual activity with him.”
Despite the limitations, the committee found substantial evidence suggesting that many of the payments were linked to sexual activity or illicit drug use. A chart included in the report documented funds paid to 12 women, many of whom the committee claimed were connected to Gaetz through the website SeekingArrangement.com.
The website advertises itself as a platform for older men and younger women seeking “mutually beneficial relationships.” The report explained, “The website was generally understood by many of the women interviewed by the Committee to involve, at minimum, an exchange of companionship for money.”
Gaetz, who has consistently denied the allegations, responded on Monday by posting transcripts on X (formerly Twitter) in which women stated that money was never discussed and that “I’ve never charged for anything.” These responses were part of Gaetz’s ongoing defense against the accusations.
The Ethics Committee report underscores significant barriers to their investigation while presenting evidence that raises serious questions about Gaetz’s conduct. However, the report stops short of providing a full accounting, citing uncooperative witnesses and DOJ inaction as major obstacles. The controversy continues to cast a shadow over Gaetz’s career and raises broader concerns about accountability within Congress.