Former Congressman Matt Gaetz from Florida has taken legal action to prevent the release of a report from the House Ethics Committee regarding allegations about his conduct. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., where Gaetz’s legal team argues that he is innocent and that the claims made in the report are false. They also contend that the committee no longer has jurisdiction over him since he has left office.
The Ethics Committee has been investigating Gaetz for several years concerning allegations related to inappropriate behavior, including claims of interactions with a minor and drug use. This inquiry was abruptly halted last month after Gaetz resigned from Congress, shortly after being nominated by former President Trump to be the attorney general, a position from which he later withdrew.
On the same day Gaetz filed his lawsuit, the House Ethics Committee decided to release its findings. In the lawsuit, Gaetz’s attorneys expressed concern that the release would severely damage his reputation, as the committee’s conclusions would be seen as official Congressional findings. They also pointed out that once the report is made public, it would be challenging to correct any misinformation contained within it.
The lawsuit further states that the committee’s actions were unjustified, particularly after acknowledging that it lacks the authority to investigate former members. Gaetz claims that due process was not followed, and he was not given the chance to respond to the allegations due to the nature of the committee’s process.
In a recent post on social media, Gaetz asserted that he has faced no formal charges and reiterated that he has been fully exonerated. He maintained that he has never engaged in illegal activity and denied any sexual contact with minors.
Gaetz further described his past personal life as one marked by hard work and social activities, while asserting he has changed his lifestyle since then. He expressed confidence that any allegations made against him would not hold up in court, emphasizing his belief in his innocence.
As of now, the House Ethics Committee has not issued a response to Gaetz’s lawsuit. The unfolding situation surrounding this case continues to attract attention as it reflects broader themes in political accountability and due process.
