Matt Gaetz ethics report says his drug use and sex with a minor violated state laws
CBSDEC 2024
Ethics Panel: Gaetz Paid for Sex, Drugs While in Congress
Above: Former US Rep. Matt Gaetz Image copyright: Wally Skalij/Contributor/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Considering the Department of Justice didn't see fit to charge Gaetz with any crimes after its own investigation, the decision to release this report is nothing more than a politically motivated smear job. The report relies too much on the testimony of a convicted felon, setting a dangerous precedent for releasing the results of future House probes under similarly smarmy circumstances.
Democratic narrative
While it would take another criminal investigation to fully prove Gaetz is guilty of the accusations in this report, his efforts to prevent the results' release paint him as a man with something to hide. It should be noted that two Republicans joined with Democrats in authorizing the report's release. Even if he won't face criminal charges, at least Gaetz's political career is now off track.