Official statements from the Florida Bar

Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz Halts Cooperation with Ethics Probe, Cites "Political Payback" and "Nosy" Questions

Sep 26, 2024, 06:48 PM

Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, announced that he will no longer voluntarily cooperate with the GOP-led House Ethics Committee's investigation into his conduct. In a lengthy letter to the committee, Gaetz criticized the inquiry as a "political payback exercise" motivated by a "sinister motive" and accused his colleagues of "seeking revenge." He objected to questions about his sexual history over the past seven years and potential drug use, calling them "uncomfortably nosy" and stating that being asked about his relationships with adult women is "a bridge too far." Gaetz emphasized that he has "not used drugs that are illegal" and denied allegations of having sexual activity with an underage girl, asserting that the answer is "unequivocally NO." He revealed that the committee has issued, but not yet served, a subpoena for his testimony. Additionally, Gaetz faces a Florida Bar complaint related to the investigation. The congressman expressed frustration over what he perceives as abuse of the committee's authority.