Matt Gaetz Faces Renewed Scrutiny Over Allegations Amid Attorney General Nomination

By Harry Negron, November 20, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of former Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general has reignited scrutiny over past allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. Gaetz, a staunch Trump ally, was previously under federal investigation for sex trafficking, though the Department of Justice concluded the probe in February 2023 without filing charges.

The House Ethics Committee had been investigating Gaetz for alleged sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and obstruction of justice. In November 2024, two women testified to the committee, alleging that Gaetz paid them for sex. One woman claimed to have witnessed Gaetz engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old girl in 2017. These testimonies were reportedly corroborated by financial transactions through Venmo and PayPal.

Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated attacks. Despite his resignation from Congress following his nomination, the House Ethics Committee's report on the investigation remains pending. Some lawmakers have called for its release to inform the Senate's confirmation process.

The nomination has sparked debate within the Senate, with some Republicans expressing concerns about Gaetz's suitability for the role. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) stated, "We need to thoroughly vet any nominee for such a critical position." The confirmation hearings are expected to be contentious, focusing on Gaetz's past conduct and the implications for his potential leadership of the Justice Department.

As the confirmation process unfolds, the allegations against Gaetz are likely to play a central role in discussions about his fitness for the position of attorney general.