The U.S. House Ethics Committee has voted to release its report on former Representative Matt Gaetz, according to a source familiar with the matter. This decision comes weeks after the Republican withdrew from consideration for the position of Donald Trump’s attorney general due to opposition in the Senate.
The report, which could be made public within days, is being finalized as Congress prepares to adjourn for the holidays. CNN reported the expected release, citing multiple sources, though Reuters has not independently confirmed the timing.
Gaetz, a staunch Trump ally, resigned from the House of Representatives in November while the Ethics Committee deliberated on allegations against him, including illicit drug use and accusations of having sexual relations with a 17-year-old minor. Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The US House Ethics Committee has voted to release its report on former Representative Matt Gaetz, a source familiar with the committee said, weeks after the Republican dropped out of contention for Donald Trump's attorney general amid Senate opposition https://t.co/iykfmfSoVg pic.twitter.com/WsH1DHPtkX
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 18, 2024
“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 that 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.
Reflecting on his past, Gaetz added, “My 30’s 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.”
The Ethics Committee reportedly voted earlier this month to make the report public, though no official timeline for its release has been confirmed. The committee did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Earlier in December, efforts to expedite the release of the report were blocked in the Republican-majority House after the panel deadlocked on whether to make it public.
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Typically, members of Congress have the opportunity to respond in writing to the Ethics Committee’s findings. However, it remains unclear if Gaetz will submit a response now that he has left office.
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Gaetz has stated that he will not reclaim his seat in the next congressional session beginning on January 3. Instead, he is slated to host a show on One America News Network, according to the network.
