US former Republican Congressman faces ethics committee findings over drugs, gifts

US Former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz has been accused of using his time in office for illicit activities, with a House of Representatives ethics committee report revealing disturbing details about his conduct while serving in Congress.

The long-awaited report, released after a years-long investigation, highlights claims of sexual misconduct, drug use, and acceptance of excessive gifts, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media. 

The committee found substantial evidence that Gaetz violated House rules and ethical standards, including engaging in prostitution, statutory rape, drug use, and receiving impermissible gifts. 

"There is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favours or privileges, and obstruction of Congress," the report noted.

According to the findings, from 2017 to 2020, Gaetz made payments exceeding $90,000 to 12 women, with the committee determining these payments were likely tied to sexual activity and drug use. 

Additionally, the report alleges that Gaetz paid for sex with a 17-year-old at a 2017 party, providing her $400, which she understood to be payment for sex. Gaetz has denied any sexual involvement with a minor. The report also accuses Gaetz of being uncooperative during the investigation, noting that he frequently tried to "deflect, deter, or mislead" the panel to prevent the exposure of his actions. 

Despite a subpoena, Gaetz did not testify before the committee. Gaetz, who represented Florida’s first congressional district, previously withdrew his name from consideration to become US Attorney General after facing mounting controversy surrounding the allegations. His resignation from Congress followed President Donald Trump’s nomination of Gaetz for the position, which eventually fell through due to the backlash he faced. 

Matthew Louis Gaetz is an American politician and lawyer who served as the US representative for Florida's 1st congressional district from 2017 until his resignation in 2024. His district included all of Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties, and portions of Walton County. A member of the Republican Party and a self-described libertarian populist, Gaetz is widely regarded as a proponent of far-right politics as well as a staunch ally of Donald Trump.

By Naila Huseynova