Is Matt Gaetz Still Under Investigation? What To Know About His Sex Trafficking Scandal

Rep. Matt Gaetz, previously investigated by the Justice Department on allegations of sex trafficking, has now been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as attorney general. Gaetz resigned from Congress just hours before Trump's announcement, a move that effectively ended an ongoing House Ethics Committee probe, according to Newsweek.

Background on Gaetz's Legal Troubles

Gaetz's legal challenges began under former Attorney General Bill Barr, when the Justice Department initiated an investigation into alleged sex trafficking involving Gaetz and his former ally, Joel Greenberg. Greenberg, a former Florida tax collector, admitted in a 2021 plea deal to paying women, including a minor, for sexual activities. Although Greenberg was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2022, federal charges were not ultimately brought against Gaetz, according to AP News.

Authorities scrutinised a trip Gaetz took to the Bahamas with several women and a campaign donor. The investigation examined whether these women were compensated for sexual activities and if Gaetz and his associates attempted to secure government jobs for them. The Justice Department also looked into Gaetz's connections to Florida's medical marijuana sector and whether any legislative proposals he sponsored were influenced by his associates, as reported by Newsweek.

Ethics Committee Investigation

The House Ethics Committee launched its own investigation into Gaetz in April 2021, initially to examine allegations that he may have been involved in sex trafficking activities. After pausing at the Justice Department's request, the committee resumed its investigation once Gaetz claimed the Justice Department had dropped its probe.

This past summer, the Ethics Committee issued a rare public statement revealing that it was also investigating allegations of Gaetz's potential sexual misconduct, drug use, improper gift acceptance, and attempts to obstruct government investigations. Gaetz has consistently denied these claims. However, with Gaetz's resignation from Congress, the committee no longer has jurisdiction over him, effectively halting its review.

Gaetz's Role as Trump's Attorney General Nominee

Trump's decision to nominate Gaetz has stirred controversy. According to AP News, some Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Mike Simpson and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, expressed doubts about Gaetz's ability to pass a Senate confirmation. Meanwhile, Gaetz's allies, like Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, have defended him, suggesting that "the evidence will speak for itself."

In an announcement on X, formerly Twitter, Gaetz expressed enthusiasm, stating, "It will be an honour to serve as President Trump's Attorney General!" Gaetz has also called for a "full court press" against what he describes as a "weaponised" government and even suggested abolishing federal agencies such as the FBI and the ATF if confirmed, as per Newsweek.

The Road Ahead for Gaetz and the Justice Department

If confirmed, Gaetz would head the very agency that once investigated him. His tenure could see a Justice Department overhaul, aligned with Trump's agenda to investigate political adversaries and reduce perceived biases within the institution. Trump, according to AP News, has pledged to combat "systemic corruption" within the agency and pursue retribution against political opponents.

While Gaetz's confirmation remains uncertain, his potential role as attorney general marks a controversial development in a career defined by scandal. His ability to secure Senate approval amid his past investigations and contentious views will determine whether he can lead one of America's most critical federal institutions.

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