Did Matt Gaetz sleep with and traffic a 17-year-old girl? This has been a major point of attack for anyone in the anti Trump camp after announcing Gaetz’ nomination for Attorney General. So what’s the evidence against him?
In March of 2021, the media received reports that the DOJ had investigated the congressman for having sexual relations with a 17-year-old and potentially paying her to cross state lines for sex. Gaetz being a staunch Trump supporter made him a prime target for lawfare and a media onslaught.
Oddly enough, the reports emerged just in time for the 2022 congressional election - and seemed to disappear just after.
Gaetz denied any wrongdoing and dismissed them as blanketly false. He says that he has never paid for sex and he’s never had sex with an underage girl. In February of 2023, the DOJ concluded its investigation, and refused to file any charges due to a lack of evidence.
Remember how the first reports emerged just before Gaetz 2022 race? Now the House Ethics Committee is hearing testimony just as he’s been appointed Attorney General. The accusations and investigations are clearly political.
Gaetz has been charged with no crime related to the allegations and house findings remain pending and reports have not been released.
Gaetz also claims that the allegations are linked to an extortion plot against his family. He says that a former DOJ official, David McGee approached his father Don Gaetz demanding $25 million to make the investigation "go away." According to the DOJ, Stephen Alford, a 62 year old businessman pled guilty to playing a part in the plot.
Gaetz says he and his family co-operated fully with the FBI, including wearing a wire to expose the crimes against their family.
