Gaetz defends ‘embarrassing’ past behavior, fires shot at Ethics report

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) is defending what he says is "embarrassing, though not criminal" past behavior and taking a shot at the House Ethics Committee, following reports that the panel voted to release its findings about him.

The comments came shortly after reports were published that the committee plans to make its findings public after the House is done voting for the year, which could be as soon as later this week. A source confirmed the plans to The Hill.

Gaetz, in a statement posted on the social platform X, pointed to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) decision not to charge him after investigating allegations of a sexual encounter with a 17-year-old, claiming he was “FULLY EXONERATED.” He did, however, admit to an “embarrassing” past.

“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 wrote. “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 Hill has reached out to the Ethics Committee for more information.

The House Ethics Committee began its investigation into Gaetz in 2021, examining allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use. He was also investigated for allegedly accepting improper gifts, dispensing special privileges and favors to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship and seeking to obstruct government investigations of his conduct.

Reports that the Ethics Committee is preparing to make public the results of its investigation, which were first published by CNN, marks a stark reversal for the panel. A vote last month on whether to release the report failed.

The Ethics Committee gathered for its final meeting of the 118th Congress last week, Chair Michael Guest (R-Miss.) told The Hill, though he did not disclose what was discussed.

The panel — which is known for conducting its business in secrecy — for weeks has been debating whether to release its report into Gaetz.

The question of releasing the findings catapulted into the spotlight after President-elect Trump selected Gaetz to be attorney general and Gaetz immediately resigned from Congress.

The investigation came to an abrupt halt after Gaetz resigned, since the panel does not have jurisdiction over former members of Congress. Facing an uphill battle to confirmation in the Senate, he then withdrew his name from consideration and announced he would not retake his House seat in January.

Since then, the committee has seen tensions flare over the heated debate about releasing the report. Last month, Rep. Susan Wild (Pa.), the top Democrat on the panel, was absent from the group’s meeting after being traced as a leaker to the press about the Gaetz investigation.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other Republicans publicly advocated against the Ethics panel releasing its report on Gaetz, arguing it was inappropriate to release a report on a nonmember. While rare, the panel has released findings on former members in the past.

Gaetz slammed the committee for continuing to investigate him despite the DOJ declining to charge him.

“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 said. “I’ve had no chance to ever confront any accusers. I’ve never been charged. I’ve never been sued.”

“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,” Gaetz said.

The former lawmaker, who is set to become a host on One America News Network, took a final shot at Congress as it prepares to vote on a 1,500-page spending deal this week.

“But at least I didn’t vote for CR’s that f‑‑‑ over the country!” Gaetz said.

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