Gaetz Blasts Ethics Panel for Move to Release Misconduct Report

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) fired back Wednesday after the revelation that the House Ethics Committee secretly voted to release a report detailing allegations of sexual misconduct against him. The move, which follows Gaetz’s withdrawal from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general, has reignited debates over political targeting and transparency.

In a fiery post to X, Gaetz criticized the ethics panel and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for what he described as politically motivated investigations.

“The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes,” Gaetz wrote. “I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me.”

He accused the committee of relying on witnesses previously deemed not credible by the DOJ, assembling them to repeat accusations without providing him the opportunity to rebut or cross-examine.

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

Gaetz candidly addressed the allegations, including claims about his conduct during his time in Congress. He denied ever having sexual contact with minors, stating, “Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court which is why no such claim was ever made in court.”

Reflecting on his personal life, he acknowledged his behavior in his 30s, describing it as a time 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,” Gaetz admitted. “I live a different life now.”

Gaetz also took aim at Congress, highlighting the 1,547-page continuing resolution (CR) that many Republicans, including himself, have criticized for excessive spending and unnecessary provisions.

“But at least I didn’t vote for CR’s that f*** over the country!” he quipped, drawing attention to ongoing frustrations among conservatives about fiscal irresponsibility in Washington.

In a follow-up post, Gaetz hinted at the possibility of returning to the House, sparking speculation about whether he could mount a political comeback.

As the Ethics Committee prepares to release its report, the controversy underscores the bitter partisan battles and personal rivalries that continue to shape the nation’s political landscape.

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