In breaking news, the House Ethics Committee revealed that it will be extending its investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz over allegations of sexual misconduct. The committee announced that they will be continuing to look into allegations that Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts, dispensed special privileges, and sought to obstruct government investigations. However, the panel will no longer investigate claims that Gaetz shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use, or accepted bribes.
The committee stated that they have spoken with more than a dozen witnesses, issued 25 subpoenas, and reviewed thousands of pages of documents in the matter. They have also reached out to the woman whom Gaetz allegedly had sexual relations with when she was a minor. Gaetz has denied all accusations of wrongdoing and has insisted that every investigation into him ends in exoneration.
In response to the committee’s decision, Gaetz criticized the new investigations as “frivolous” and accused House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of orchestrating the probe to tarnish his reputation. McCarthy, however, has refuted these claims and suggested that Gaetz’s efforts to oust him were motivated by the ongoing ethics investigation.
The Justice Department previously investigated allegations against Gaetz but ultimately decided not to bring charges. The probe expanded over the years and resulted in Gaetz’s close confidant, Joel Greenberg, pleading guilty to federal charges related to the allegations.
The Ethics Committee initially opened its investigation in 2021, examining various claims against Gaetz including sex trafficking violations, sharing inappropriate content, drug use, misuse of campaign funds, and accepting bribes. The committee paused its investigation at the DOJ’s request but resumed once the department concluded its probe without charges.
Despite the DOJ’s decision, the House Ethics Committee remains committed to investigating all relevant allegations against Rep. Gaetz.
