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Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has addressed the public following the announcement that the House Ethics Committee is set to release its findings into allegations of misconduct during his time in Congress. In a series of posts on X, Gaetz admitted to certain morally questionable behavior in his past but firmly denied any illegal activity, including accusations of paying an underage girl for sex.
“In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated — even some I never dated but who asked,” Gaetz wrote. “I dated several of these women for years. I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18. Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court — which is why no such claim was ever made in court. My 30’s were an era of working very hard — and playing hard too.”
Gaetz also reflected on his earlier lifestyle, stating, “It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now.”
The former congressman took aim at the House Ethics Committee for its handling of the investigation. He criticized the committee for relying on witnesses deemed not credible by the Department of Justice (DOJ), which previously conducted its own investigation into Gaetz’s alleged misconduct, told The New York Times.
“The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes,” Gaetz argued. “I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me. Then, the very ‘witnesses’ DOJ deemed not-credible were assembled by House Ethics to repeat their claims absent any cross-examination or challenge from me or my attorneys.”
Gaetz emphasized that he has never been charged or sued for any of the allegations, adding, “I’ve had no chance to ever confront any accusers. I’ve never been charged. I’ve never been sued.”
The House Ethics Committee’s report is expected to shed further light on the allegations surrounding Gaetz’s conduct, which has been a source of public scrutiny. As the release of the findings looms, Gaetz’s statements aim to defend his character and refute claims of criminal behavior, while acknowledging past actions he describes as regrettable but not unlawful.
