On Wednesday, Matt Gaetz revealed a remarkable strategy aimed at creating turmoil and embarrassment for his adversaries—just hours after a vote was cast by lawmakers to publish a report concerning accusations that he had engaged in sexual activities with minors.
This outspoken conservative expressed that he is contemplating returning to his position in the House of Representatives on January 3, intending to uncover any congress member who has utilized public funds to settle cases of sexual misconduct.
Last month, Gaetz had resigned from his current position in the House while facing a challenging journey to become President-elect Donald Trump’s next attorney general, and he had previously suggested that he would not reclaim his seat in the forthcoming Congress.
However, he informed the Beast that he is “seriously contemplating” a brief return on the opening day of the new 119th Congress, claiming it is a legal move since he cannot officially resign from the new Congress until it is established.
His proposal includes pushing for a vote on a resolution that aims to unveil confidential “Me Too” settlements arranged by present and former lawmakers using taxpayer money.
The Florida representative—who abruptly stepped down in November after being selected as Trump’s first attorney general nominee but later withdrew from the race—is reacting strongly as the House Ethics Committee secretly voted to disclose the conclusions of its three-year inquiry into whether Gaetz was involved in sexual misconduct and drug use with minors, or if he compensated women for sexual services. This vote took place earlier this month and the news broke on Wednesday.
Gaetz has consistently refuted the allegations, stating that the revival of the ethics investigation was driven by political motives. He pointed out that the Department of Justice had ceased its inquiry without filing any charges.
Once again on Wednesday, he denied any illegal activities in a social media post but acknowledged, “It’s embarrassing, though not illegal, that I probably indulged, engaged with women, drank, and smoked more than I should have when I was younger. I lead a different lifestyle now.”
Among the agenda items for January 3 is to conduct a vote regarding whether Speaker Mike Johnson will continue to hold his position as the top leader of the chamber. Several conservatives—including Johnson—have resisted the release of the report, contending that it sets a problematic precedent by making ethics reports regarding a former member public.
However, Johnson’s position is now precariously positioned. His status was significantly stronger after Trump’s presidential victory in November. Currently, several House Republicans have told the Beast that there is a growing sense of uncertainty among critics about supporting Johnson, who has been in this role since October 25, 2023. He assumed this position after Gaetz nearly singlehandedly ousted Kevin McCarthy from the top role.
There remains some uncertainty about Gaetz’s ability to be sworn in following his resignation, despite his victory in the election to serve in the new Congress set to begin on January 3. When he resigned, he submitted a letter stating that he would not fulfill the remainder of his term, nor return in the upcoming year.
After retracting himself from consideration for AG—facing challenges in gaining support from moderate GOP senators despite Trump’s vigorous backing—he announced that he will host a program on the conservative One America News Network.
Additionally, Gaetz is leveraging the ethics panel’s choice to publish its findings against him as a fundraising opportunity, as previously reported by the Daily Beast. Following his failed attempt to lead the Department of Justice, Gaetz hinted at a potential run for governor in 2026.
