House Ethics Committee Nears Release of Gaetz Report

United States: The U.S. House Ethics Committee has decided on its report on former Representative Matt Gaetz, a source familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. This comes weeks after the Republican quit his bid to become President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general due to Senate resistance.

Allegations Against Matt Gaetz

CNN said on Wednesday, citing several informed sources, that the report may be released within days, as both houses of Congress are planning to leave for the holiday. Reuters could not independently confirm when the report was published, as reported by Reuters.

House Ethics Committee secretly voted to release Matt Gaetz ethics report, source says https://t.co/s3bhMBCWkg

— Boston Intellect (@bostonintellect) December 19, 2024

The rabble-rousing Republican and key supporter of Donald Trump stepped down from his post in the House of Representatives in November as the Ethics Committee discussed what action to take pertaining to the discovery of an investigation into claims of drug use and the sexual assault of an underage 17-year-old girl. Gaetz has denied wrongdoing.

Gaetz Denies Wrongdoing: Public Response to Allegations

“In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated – even some I never dated but who asked. I dated several of these women for years. I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18. Any claim I have would be destroyed in court – which is why no such claim was ever made in court,” Gaetz, 42, said in a social media post.

The report is now expected to be made public during the holidays when no one pays attention. Changed vote likely bc Gaetz no longer a Trump nominee.

In reversal, key House panel votes to release Matt Gaetz ethics report – CNN https://t.co/blpo5gu0Xn

— Dr. Rita Haley 🎗️ (@rmhaley8) December 19, 2024

“My 30s were an era of working very hard – and playing hard too. 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,” he said.

Committee Decision: Report Expected Soon

In an interview, the source said that the Ethics Committee convened earlier this month and, in a closed ballot, agreed to make public the report.

The committee declined to respond immediately to a request for comment.

"Matt Gaetz Loses It After House Ethics Quietly Votes to Release Report" – The New Republic #SmartNews https://t.co/uWhv6v9lym

— Blaine Sprouse (@blaine_sprouse) December 19, 2024

Earlier this month, Democrats’ efforts to fast-track the release of the report failed when the Republican-dominated House voted against the move after the committee was split on whether to publicize the report.

Next Steps: Gaetz’s Future After Congress

Federal lawmakers are normally given a chance to write their response to the Ethics Committee findings but it is not clear if this will take place since Gaetz has already vacated his seat, as reported by Reuters.

The House Ethics Committee voted in secret to release its independent report on Matt Gaetz sometime in December.https://t.co/UlWThtdTYb

— MJ Muehl (@mj_muehl) December 19, 2024

Gaetz has stated that he will not be going back to Congress for the next session that is slated to commence on the 3rd of January. However, the 47-year-old is expected to host a show at One America News Network, claims the television network.