Matt Gaetz at a Donald Trump campaign rally, Photo: Evan Vucci/AP
Former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, who was previously nominated by Donald Trump to be Attorney General, is at the centre of a high-profile scandal. According to a new report by the US House of Representatives Ethics Commission, Goetz spent tens of thousands of dollars on sexual services and drugs, violating a number of House rules, including obstruction of Congress.
Key allegations
The 37-page report states that Goetz transferred about $90,000 to twelve women, much of which was allegedly spent on sexual services or drug use.
Goetz, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, resigned from Congress last month after Trump nominated him for the post of Attorney General. Getz subsequently withdrew from the nomination, facing opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, as well as an Ethics Commission investigation.
Testimonies and statements
The Commission stated that there was substantial evidence that Goetz had violated House rules prohibiting prostitution, illegal drug use, acceptance of prohibited gifts, and obstruction of Congress.
Although it was established that Goetz organised the transport of women across state lines for paid sex, the Commission found no evidence that any of the women were minors. However, the report does refer to the testimony of “victim A”, who stated that she had an intimate relationship with Goetz in 2017 when she was a minor.
“Victim A” claims to have received $400 in cash after one of these incidents, which she took to be payment for sex. At the time, she had just finished her first year of high school. The Commission did not receive evidence that Goetz knew her age, but also notes that he did not inquire about it.
Defence of Goetz
Goetz categorically denied the allegations, stating in a written response that he had not had any sexual relations with minors. His lawyers called the report “false and defamatory”, and the politician himself argued that the Commission exceeded its authority, as he is no longer a member of Congress.
Political and legal resonance
The published report caused a significant response in political circles. The chairman of the Ethics Commission, Republican Michael Guest, said that the publication of such a report on a former member of Congress was a departure from tradition.
Matt Goetz was also the subject of an FBI investigation into sex trafficking allegations for three years, but the investigation did not result in criminal charges.
The scandal is yet another blow to the Republican Party, which is trying to maintain unity ahead of the election, and to Donald Trump, whose choice of candidates has been called into question once again.
