An ethics report indicates that Gaetz, an ally of Trump, engaged in the purchase of sex and drugs during his time in office.

Live Reporting Edited by Brandon Livesay in New York and Rorey Bosotti in London.

An ethics report indicates that Gaetz, an ally of Trump, engaged in the purchase of sex and drugs during his time in office.

The US House Ethics Committee, in its report, indicates that it forfeited its authority to pursue the investigation following Matt Gaetz's resignation from his House position, which occurred shortly after his nomination by Trump for the role of attorney general.

Typically, the committee does not publish findings after losing jurisdiction in a case; however, it made an exception in this instance, citing the importance of public interest.

The committee emphasized that this decision was not made "lightly."

Furthermore, it noted that a vote was held among members regarding the report's release on December 10, and while "several" members opposed its publication, the majority supported it.

A woman reported feeling 'violated' following her encounter with Gaetz.

The report indicates that while all women interviewed by the committee asserted that their sexual encounters with Gaetz were consensual, not all expressed comfort regarding those interactions. 

At least one participant informed the committee that the presence of drugs at the gatherings they attended might have "impair[ed their] ability to really know what was going on or fully consent."

Furthermore, nearly all women reported to the committee that they could not recall the specifics of one or more occasions spent with Gaetz, attributing this lack of memory to the consumption of alcohol or drugs.

The women recounted that Gaetz would attempt to persuade them to engage in sexual activities with him or his former associate, Joel Greenberg. 

One woman stated to the committee, "[H]e would make me feel bad about not having sex with him or Joel Greenberg." Another participant expressed that upon reflecting on certain experiences, she felt "violated."

Gaetz disbursed $63,000 to a former girlfriend over a span of three years, as revealed by the House Ethics Committee's findings. 

The report includes a detailed account of transactions indicating that Gaetz made significant payments to 12 women and to Greenberg. 

From 2017 to 2020, Gaetz transferred over $63,000 to an unnamed woman, identified as a former girlfriend. The committee noted that due to their relationship, some of these payments might be considered "legitimate." 

During her testimony, she invoked her Fifth Amendment right, refraining from answering questions regarding whether the payments were related to sexual activities or drug use, as highlighted by the committee. 

Nevertheless, the committee expressed "substantial reason to believe" that a majority of these payments were indeed associated with such activities. 

In addition to the payments to his former girlfriend, the committee suggested that many of the transactions involving the 12 women and Greenberg were likely linked to sexual activities and illegal drug use, although they were unable to specify the total amount involved.

The House Ethics Committee's report indicates that it uncovered "substantial evidence" suggesting the following:

From at least 2017 to 2020, Gaetz allegedly "regularly" compensated women for sexual encounters and engaged in sexual relations with a 17-year-old girl during this timeframe.

He reportedly used or possessed illegal substances, including cocaine and ecstasy, on several occasions between 2017 and 2019.

He is said to have accepted gifts exceeding allowable limits in relation to a trip to the Bahamas in 2018.

He purportedly arranged for his chief of staff to assist a woman with whom he had a sexual relationship in obtaining a passport, misleading the US Department of State by claiming she was a constituent.

He is accused of "knowingly and wilfully" attempting to obstruct the committee's investigation and behaving in a manner that discredits the House.

Gaetz has consistently denied all allegations leveled against him and dismissed the report's conclusions earlier today.

The report from the House Ethics Committee regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use involving former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz has been made public.

This 37-page document outlines the conclusions drawn from an extensive investigation conducted by the committee.

Gaetz has consistently refuted any allegations of misconduct, stating on X last week: "During my single years, I frequently provided financial support to women I dated—some of whom I had never dated but who requested assistance. I maintained relationships with several of these women for years. I have NEVER engaged in sexual contact with anyone under the age of 18. Any assertion to the contrary would be disproven in court, which is why no such claim has ever been presented in a legal setting."

We are currently reviewing the report and will provide you with the key highlights as soon as possible.