The child sex allegations against Matt Gaetz as he’s nominated as Trump’s next AG
America’s next attorney general described himself as “the most investigated man in Congress” after an investigation into allegations that he was involved in sex trafficking of a minor.
Matt Gaetz, 42, has never faced criminal charges and has long denied any wrongdoing related to the claims.
The Justice Department was investigating whether Gaetz had sex with the 17-year-old minor and played a role in crossing state lines for prostitution.
A former associate of Gaetz, Joel Greenberg, reached a deal with investigators in which he pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor and identity theft, but there was no substantial evidence tying Gaetz to the incident.
“I am the most scrutinized man in the United States Congress,” Gaetz said in 2023.
America’s next attorney general described himself as “the most investigated man in Congress” after an investigation into allegations that he was involved in sex trafficking of a minor. Pictured: Gaetz with his wife Ginger
Now his fortunes have changed with newly elected President Donald Trump’s announcement that Gaetz will serve as AG in his administration
Now his fortunes have changed with newly elected President Donald Trump’s announcement that Gaetz will serve as AG in his administration.
“It is my great honor to announce that Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida is hereby nominated to serve as Attorney General of the United States,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Matt is a highly gifted and tenacious attorney, trained at William & Mary College of Law, who has distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving much-needed reforms at the Department of Justice.
“Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan weaponization of our justice system. “Matt will end the armed government, protect our borders, dismantle criminal organizations, and restore Americans’ deeply shattered faith and trust in the Justice Department.”
The investigation into Gaetz focused on questions related to a 2017 incident in which the same 17-year-old girl Greenberg was convicted of sex trafficking
A trip Gaetz made to the Bahamas in September 2018 was also thoroughly investigated
The House Ethics Committee first opened an investigation into Gaetz in April 2021, but shelved it while the Justice Department launched its own investigation.
At the time, Greenberg was a cooperating witness as part of a plea deal he made with authorities.
The investigation into Gaetz focused on questions related to a 2017 incident involving the same 17-year-old girl Greenberg was convicted of sex trafficking.
Greenberg had introduced the minor to other “grown men.”
CNN claimed at the time that Gaetz was also under investigation for using campaign money to finance relationships with young women.
A trip Gaetz took to the Bahamas in September 2018 was also thoroughly investigated to determine whether Gaetz had accepted escort services – paid for by others – in exchange for political access.
Trump said: “Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan weaponization of our justice system. Matt will end the armed government
Gaetz further claimed that he and his family were ‘victims of an organized criminal extortion scheme’
Gaetz further claimed that he and his family were “victims of an organized criminal racketeering operation.”
In September, he addressed some of the allegations head-on in a letter published on social media.
“Your correspondence… asks if I have engaged in sexual activity with anyone under the age of 18,” Gaetz wrote.
‘The answer to this question is unequivocally NO. The lawful, consensual sexual activity of adults is not the business of Congress.
‘Asking about my sexual history as a single man with adult women is a bridge too far.’
Investigators dropped the investigation in February 2023, partly due to questions about the credibility of the two central witnesses.
The longtime MAGA loyalist was first elected to Congress in 2016 to represent Florida’s 1st congressional district. He previously served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives.
Gaetz rose to prominence for his controversial comments as a member of Congress and his actions as a member of the Freedom Caucus.
After taking office during Trump’s first term, he became one of the leading critics of the Russia investigation into the 45th president.
Gaetz served on the House Judiciary Committee.
If confirmed by the Senate, Gaetz would oversee the Justice Department, including the FBI.