The House Ethics Committee is set to release its long-awaited report on former Representative Matt Gaetz, following nearly four years of investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct and ethical violations. The decision, confirmed by multiple sources, represents a significant reversal after earlier votes to keep the findings confidential.
The report, which is expected to be made public after the final House votes of the year, will shed light on the committee's probe into allegations that Gaetz had sexual relations with a minor and violated campaign finance rules. Gaetz, who resigned from Congress in November, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations baseless.
"I've never been charged. I've never been sued," Gaetz wrote on X, formerly Twitter, in response to news of the report's impending release. "Instead, House Ethics will reportedly post a report online that I have no opportunity to debate or rebut as a former member of the body."
The committee's investigation dates back to 2021 and was launched alongside a federal inquiry into Gaetz's alleged involvement in child sex trafficking. The Justice Department ultimately declined to press charges in 2022, citing concerns about the credibility of key witnesses. However, the Ethics Committee continued its inquiry, examining accusations of misuse of campaign funds, improper use of state identification records, and acceptance of banned gifts.
Gaetz's resignation from Congress added a layer of complexity to the report's release. Under House rules, investigations typically conclude when a member leaves office. Despite this, the committee opted to proceed, citing precedents such as a 1987 report on former Representative Bill Boner, which was released after his resignation.
The timing of the report has drawn scrutiny. Initially, the committee voted along party lines to keep its findings confidential, but a second vote in December reversed that decision. Sources told CNN that the release would follow the lower chamber's final legislative session of the year, as members head home for the holidays.
Gaetz's resignation came amid controversy surrounding his nomination by President-elect Donald Trump for attorney general. The announcement sparked backlash in Washington, with critics highlighting the ongoing Ethics Committee investigation and questioning Gaetz's qualifications for the role. Facing mounting scrutiny, Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration, stating that his confirmation process was "unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition."
The investigation into Gaetz has been closely tied to the case of his former associate Joel Greenberg, who pleaded guilty in 2021 to charges including sex trafficking, wire fraud, and identity theft. Prosecutors reportedly examined whether Gaetz had violated the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting individuals across state lines for illicit purposes.
The Ethics Committee's findings could reignite public debate over Gaetz's conduct during his time in office. Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas and member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has called for transparency. Cornyn stated that he wants to see "everything" when asked about the pending report.
Critics argue that releasing the report is a necessary step for accountability. The attorney for the alleged minor involved in the case urged the committee to make the findings public, writing on social media, "She was a high school student and there were witnesses."
Gaetz, known as a staunch Trump ally and conservative firebrand, has remained defiant. In a tweet responding to the investigation, he said, "The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes. I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED."
