In a statement released on Tuesday, the House Ethics Committee confirmed that it is currently reviewing multiple allegations against Representative Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida. These allegations include claims of sexual misconduct, illegal drug use, accepting improper gifts, granting special privileges, obstructing government investigations, and engaging in illicit activities with individuals he had personal relationships with.

The bipartisan committee, responsible for investigating ethics complaints, announced that it will not be pursuing further action on allegations regarding Gaetz allegedly sharing inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misusing state identification records, converting campaign funds for personal use, and accepting bribes or improper gratuities.

Gaetz, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, has vehemently denied all accusations of wrongdoing. Taking to social media, Gaetz highlighted that previous ethics investigations into his conduct had resulted in his exoneration. He criticized the Ethics Committee for initiating new investigations instead of focusing on important issues, such as the banning of Congressional stock trading.

Gaetz also pointed fingers at his perceived political opponents, particularly former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and his allies, accusing them of seeking retribution against him. He likened their actions to something reminiscent of the Soviet era, asserting that the investigations were merely attempts to find a crime where none existed.

McCarthy, who was successfully overthrown by Gaetz last year, has consistently claimed that the Florida congressman went after him in an effort to hinder the ethics investigation. Gaetz's alleged involvement in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use was first brought to the attention of the committee in 2021 when Democrats controlled the House. However, with McCarthy now leading as chairman, the committee has decided to forge ahead with its review.

Chairman Michael Guest, a Republican from Mississippi and McCarthy's appointee, leads the committee. Despite facing challenges in obtaining information from Gaetz, the committee has conducted interviews with over a dozen witnesses, issued 25 subpoenas, and examined thousands of pages of documents. Based on the findings thus far, the committee has determined that certain allegations warrant further inquiry.

The Justice Department had been conducting its own investigation into Gaetz's personal conduct, specifically focusing on allegations that he was involved in a scheme that potentially led to the sex trafficking of a minor. However, in February 2023, the department concluded its investigation without bringing any charges against Gaetz.

The ongoing review by the House Ethics Committee represents another hurdle for Gaetz as he continues to face scrutiny in the public eye. As the investigation proceeds, the congressman maintains his innocence, while his critics demand accountability and clarity regarding the allegations against him.