**Matt Gaetz Accused of 'Tens of Thousands' in Payments for Sex and Drugs: House Ethics Report Revealed**

In summary, a report from the House ethics committee indicates substantial evidence against Matt Gaetz for violations related to sexual misconduct and improper financial dealings during his tenure in Congress.

Former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz is under scrutiny following a House ethics committee report alleging he expended tens of thousands of dollars on sex and drugs during his time in office. The release of this report comes after a lengthy investigation into allegations involving sexual misconduct and drug use. Gaetz, who was once considered by President-elect Donald Trump for the position of attorney general, has consistently denied the allegations, claiming they are part of a smear campaign against him.

The ethics committee's findings indicate Gaetz engaged in conduct that violates House rules and standards, including engaging in prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, and accepting impermissible gifts. According to the report, which spans 42 pages, Gaetz reportedly made payments exceeding $90,000 to a dozen women from 2017 to 2020, suggesting connections to sexual activities or drug use. Notably, evidence points to an incident in 2017 where Gaetz allegedly paid a 17-year-old girl $400 in exchange for sex, a claim he has refuted.

Despite a Department of Justice investigation into these allegations, no criminal charges were filed against him. In a recent legal maneuver, Gaetz sought to prevent the report's release, accusing the committee of overstepping its jurisdiction. The report's release might seem unusual as it surfaced after Gaetz's resignation from Congress, a step he took following his nomination for attorney general. However, the committee deemed it in the public interest to disclose the findings, especially after Gaetz withdrew from consideration within a week.

The committee criticized Gaetz for being "uncooperative" and for allegedly attempting to mislead investigators. Throughout the investigation, he never testified before the committee, raising questions about accountability and transparency. Gaetz's abrupt resignation and the subsequent report suggest a turbulent end to his political career, exacerbated by Trump's choice to nominate other candidates, like former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, for high-profile positions.

The ethics committee's report has sparked significant commentary within political circles. Some House Democrats have expressed discontent with Trump's decisions in choosing associates like Gaetz for prominent roles, citing a pattern of appointing individuals who may not be suitable for their positions. As the political fallout continues, Trump has yet to publicly respond to the serious allegations lodged against Gaetz, leaving the implications of this report to circulate in public discourse.