What’s New
The House Ethics Committee is set to release its investigative report on former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz on Monday, following a bipartisan committee vote taken Dec. 5 according to CBS News.
Newsweek contacted Gaetz’s press contact via email on Sunday for comment.
Why It Matters
Gaetz recently withdrew from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump‘s attorney general nominee, citing the “unfair distraction” of calls for the ethics report’s release.
The ethics report’s findings could significantly impact both Gaetz’s political future and the broader landscape of congressional accountability.
As Gaetz positioned himself for a prominent anchor role at One America News Network (OANN) and remains a potential candidate for positions in a future Trump administration, the report’s contents may further influence public trust and political appointments.
The committee, which consists of 10 members evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, approved the release with support from at least two Republican members.
Ahead of the release, Gaetz issued statements denying misconduct while suggesting he might take his oath for the 119th Congress in January before launching his media career.
What To Know
The Ethics Committee investigation examined multiple serious allegations against Gaetz. The scope includes claims of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, sharing inappropriate content on the House floor, misusing state identification records, converting campaign funds for personal use and accepting improper gifts or bribes.
The committee has reportedly gathered evidence including Venmo transactions and testimony from four women who informed the panel about parties that Gaetz attended involving alleged sex and drugs.
The bipartisan vote for release marks a significant shift, as Republicans in the full House had previously blocked two Democratic resolutions that would have compelled the report’s release.
Prior to this ethics probe, the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigated potential sex trafficking and obstruction of justice allegations involving the former lawmaker, which concluded without charges being filed. Gaetz maintains he has had no opportunity to confront accusers or rebut claims as a former member.
What People Are Saying
In a September letter to the ethics committee, Gaetz explicitly denied sexual activity with minors, stating: “The answer to this question is unequivocally NO.” In recent statements, he acknowledged sending funds to women he dated but maintained his innocence of any illegal conduct.
Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has called for broader transparency, advocating for the release of all congressional ethics reports and details about settlement payments. “If Congress is going to release one ethics report, they should release them all. I want to see the Epstein list. I want to see the details of the slush fund for sexual misconduct by members of Congress and Senators. I want to see it all,” she posted on X.
Rhode Island Representative Seth Magaziner supported the release, citing public interest given Gaetz’s potential future roles in a Trump administration. “It’s still very possible that President-elect Trump could appoint [Gaetz] to another sensitive position, perhaps even a law enforcement-related position that doesn’t require Senate confirmation. And if the ethics committee feels that the evidence about Matt Gaetz’s behavior is so damning and so concerning that they want to release it, I think that it should be released. The public has a right to know,” he said during a CNN interview.
What Happens Next
The Monday release will follow the final votes of the 118th Congress. Gaetz faces increased scrutiny as he prepares to launch his planned television show on OANN in January.
The post Matt Gaetz Ethics Committee Report: What to Expect in Monday’s Release appeared first on Newsweek.
