The next US Attorney General described himself as “the most investigated man in the US Congress” following an investigation into allegations that he was involved in the sex trafficking of a minor.
Matt Gaetz, 42, never faced criminal charges and has long denied any wrongdoing in connection with the claims.
The Justice Department investigated whether Gaetz had sexual relations with the 17-year-old girl and whether he had participated in her transportation across 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 linking Gaetz to the incident.
“I am the most investigated man in the United States Congress,” Gaetz said in 2023.
The next US Attorney General described himself as “the most investigated man in the US Congress” following an investigation into allegations that he was involved in the sex trafficking of a minor. In the photo: Gaetz with his wife Ginger.
Now, their fortunes have changed with President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that Gaetz will serve as attorney general in his administration.
Now, their fortunes have changed with President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that Gaetz will serve as attorney general in his administration.
“It is my great honor to announce that Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida is nominated to be Attorney General of the United States,” Trump wrote in Truth Social.
‘Matt is a tenacious and deeply talented lawyer, trained at William & Mary Law School, who has distinguished himself in Congress for his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice.
‘Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan militarization of our justice system. ‘Matt will end armed government, secure our borders, dismantle criminal organizations, and restore Americans’ severely shattered faith and trust in the Department of Justice.’
The investigation into Gaetz focused on questions related to a 2017 incident with the same 17-year-old girl Greenberg had been convicted of sex trafficking with.
A trip Gaetz took to the Bahamas in September 2018 was also thoroughly investigated.
The House Ethics Committee first opened an investigation into Gaetz in April 2021, but paused it while the Justice Department launched its own investigation.
At the time, Greenberg cooperated as a witness as part of a plea deal he had reached with authorities.
The investigation into Gaetz focused on questions related to a 2017 incident with the same 17-year-old girl Greenberg had been convicted of sex trafficking with.
Greenberg had introduced the minor to other “adult men.”
CNN alleged at the time that Gaetz was also being investigated for using campaign money to fund 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 militarization of our justice system.” Matt will put an end to the armed government.
Gaetz went on to claim that he and his family were “victims of organized criminal extortion.”
Gaetz went on to claim that he and his family were “victims of organized criminal extortion.”
In September, he addressed some of the allegations head-on in a letter posted on social media.
“Your correspondence…asks whether I have engaged in sexual activity with any individuals under the age of 18,” Gaetz wrote.
‘The answer to this question is emphatically NO. Legal, consensual adult sexual activities are not the business of Congress.
“Asking about my sexual history as a single man with adult women is going too far.”
Investigators abandoned the investigation in February 2023, in part due to questions about the credibility of the two central witnesses.
The veteran MAGA loyalist was first elected to Congress in 2016 to represent Florida’s 1st Congressional District. He previously served in the Florida House of Representatives.
Gaetz gained 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 a leading critic of Russia’s investigations into the 45th president.
Gaetz served as a member of the House Judiciary Committee.
If confirmed by the Senate, Gaetz would oversee the Justice Department, including the FBI.