Here’s what Trump had to say.
Matt Gaetz, a prominent Florida Republican, recently shared a personal message he received from President-elect Donald Trump, which was in response to the House Ethics Committee’s controversial report accusing him of misconduct. The note, which Gaetz posted on X (formerly Twitter), calls the report “very unfair” and expresses continued support for the embattled congressman.
The Ethics Committee’s investigation, released on Monday, claimed there was “substantial evidence” that Gaetz violated several House rules, including allegations related to prostitution, statutory rape, drug use, bribery, and obstruction. The report notably focused on accusations that Gaetz paid a 17-year-old girl for sex, an offense that under Florida law is considered statutory rape. However, Gaetz vehemently denied these charges, taking to social media to challenge the report’s credibility and to criticize its timing. Gaetz argued that the release of the report just days before Christmas was an attempt to damage his reputation without allowing him the opportunity to defend himself in a courtroom.
In his posts, Gaetz questioned the validity of the claims, particularly regarding funds he allegedly gave to a woman he was dating. He suggested that these were gifts, not payments for sex, and mocked the idea that such personal transactions could be categorized as prostitution. Gaetz also highlighted the fact that the Department of Justice had previously investigated these same allegations and ultimately chose not to file charges against him.
President Trump, who has been a steadfast ally of Gaetz, appears to continue his support. The note he sent to Gaetz, written on an article from The Federalist, criticizes the investigation for relying on “witnesses with serious credibility issues,” specifically calling out the central testimony used in the Ethics Committee report. Trump’s message not only defends Gaetz but also underscores the political nature of the probe, with many conservatives seeing it as part of a broader “witch hunt” against their movement.
Despite the ethical controversy surrounding him, Gaetz remains a popular figure in Republican circles, particularly among supporters of Trump and the broader MAGA movement. He was re-elected to the House in November and has even expressed interest in running for the Florida Senate seat currently held by Marco Rubio. However, the Ethics Committee’s report may present a major obstacle in any future political endeavors, especially in a high-profile race.
Some Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Andy Biggs, have rallied behind Gaetz, arguing that the investigation is part of a “smear campaign” orchestrated by political enemies. They point to the fact that the DOJ declined to press charges against Gaetz as evidence that the allegations against him are baseless. Biggs and others suggest that the real goal is to undermine conservative voices, with some calling out the lack of focus on higher-profile cases of corruption, such as the infamous Epstein client list.
As Gaetz prepares for the next phase of his political career, it’s clear that this controversy is far from over. But with Trump’s backing and the support of many in the conservative establishment, Gaetz is likely to continue to challenge his critics and present himself as a victim of a biased political system. The battle over his reputation will likely play a key role in shaping future political narratives, both for Gaetz and the larger Republican Party.