Major Controversies Surrounding Matt Gaetz: A Detailed Timeline
Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Matt Gaetz.
Matt Gaetz is an American politician and lawyer. He served as the U.S. representative for Florida's 1st congressional district from 2017 until he resigned in 2024. A Republican and self-described libertarian populist, Gaetz is considered a proponent of far-right politics and a strong ally of Donald Trump. Notably, in October 2023, he initiated a motion to vacate, which resulted in Kevin McCarthy's removal as speaker of the House.
2005: David McGee Enters Private Practice
Since 2005, David McGee, a former federal prosecutor, has been a private attorney and has represented the Levinson family. In August 2021, Matt Gaetz asserted that McGee was running an alleged extortion scheme against him.
2007: Robert Levinson Disappears
In 2007, U.S. federal agent Robert Levinson disappeared in Iran, and by March 30, 2021, his case was part of an alleged extortion scheme targeting Matt Gaetz.
2008: Arrested for Driving Under the Influence
In 2008, Matt Gaetz was arrested for driving under the influence in Okaloosa Island, Florida, after being recorded speeding and showing physical signs of intoxication. He initially denied drinking alcohol but later admitted to consuming two beers and refused to take a breathalyzer test.
2015: Voted Against Revenge Porn Bill
In 2015, Matt Gaetz was one of two members to vote against a Florida bill which criminalized revenge porn, due to "personal animosity".
2015: Commented on Supreme Court's Same-Sex Marriage Ruling
In 2015, after the U.S. Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges decision, Gaetz expressed his disagreement with the ruling, stating that each state should decide on same-sex marriage and arguing it was an example of "judicial activism."
March 2016: Pirozzolo Donates to Gaetz's Campaign
In March 2016, Jason Pirozzolo, who allegedly paid for Matt Gaetz's trip to the Bahamas in September 2018, gave a $1,000 donation to Gaetz's campaign arm, "Friends of Matt Gaetz".
September 25, 2016: Criticized Athletes Protesting During National Anthem
Following the death of Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández, on September 25, 2016, Matt Gaetz criticized the athletes protesting during the national anthem in a tweet.
January 2017: Proposed Abolition of EPA
In January 2017, Matt Gaetz proposed legislation to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), arguing it hurt small businesses due to compliance costs.
April 2017: Labeled as Climate Change Denier
In April 2017, the Center for American Progress and Vice Media labeled Gaetz a climate change denier, citing his 2016 statements on global warming. He acknowledged global warming but disagreed with the scientific consensus on the primary cause.
May 2017: Pirozzolo's Second Donation to Gaetz's Campaign
In May 2017, Jason Pirozzolo gave a second donation of $1,000 to Matt Gaetz's campaign arm, "Friends of Matt Gaetz". In September 2018, Pirozzolo allegedly paid for Gaetz's trip to the Bahamas.
July 2017: Gaetz Allegedly Has Sex with a 17-Year-Old
In July 2017, one of two women who testified before the House Ethics Committee said that she saw Matt Gaetz having sex with her 17-year-old friend and that once Gaetz became aware of the girl's age, he paused the relationship until she turned 18.
September 4, 2017: Greenberg Learns About Underage Girl's Age
On September 4, 2017, Joel Greenberg learned that the 17-year-old girl he and Matt Gaetz had sex with was underage. In late 2020, Greenberg attempted to secure a pardon from the Trump administration via a confession letter mentioning this.
October 2017: Argued Medicaid Expansion Fueled Opioid Crisis
In October 2017, Gaetz argued that the Medicaid expansion permitted by the Affordable Care Act fueled the opioid crisis. PolitiFact rated this claim "mostly false."
December 19, 2017: Voted Against Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act
On December 19, 2017, Gaetz was the only representative to vote against the Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act. He explained his vote was based on his small government principles.
2017: Gaetz Attends Party Described in Court Documents
In 2017, Matt Gaetz allegedly attended a party alongside a 17-year-old girl, at the home of lobbyist Chris Dorworth where people engaged in sexual activities and did drugs. Details of this party surfaced in court documents filed in September 2024.
2017: Alleged Sex Trafficking of a 17-Year-Old Girl
In 2017, the same year that Joel Greenberg allegedly sex trafficked a 17-year-old girl, the Justice Department opened an investigation of Matt Gaetz for allegedly sex trafficking the same 17-year-old girl in late 2020.
January 2018: Defended Trump's Comments on Haiti and African Nations
In January 2018, Gaetz defended a statement by Trump that reportedly called Haiti and African nations "shithole" countries. He described Haiti's condition as covered by "sheet metal and garbage" and in "disgusting" condition.
January 2018: Invited Charles C. Johnson to State of the Union
In January 2018, Matt Gaetz invited Charles C. Johnson, an alt-right activist and Holocaust denier, to attend Donald Trump's State of the Union address.
February 27, 2018: Voted Against Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act
On February 27, 2018, Gaetz voted against the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act.
April 2018: Gaetz Allegedly Accompanies Greenberg in Fake ID Production
In April 2018, Matt Gaetz allegedly accompanied Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg to a government office where Greenberg was producing fake IDs, as per a tip received by the U.S. Secret Service in January 2020.
May 2018: Venmo Transaction Suggests Illegal Exchange for Sex
In May 2018, Venmo transaction records showed Matt Gaetz sending $900 to Joel Greenberg, who then relayed the money to three women, suggesting an illegal exchange for sex. Investigators believe Greenberg met women through a website for sex and introduced them to Gaetz.
September 2018: Federal Investigators Look into Gaetz's Bahamas Trip
In September 2018, federal investigators examined Matt Gaetz's trip to the Bahamas, where he was allegedly joined by Jason Pirozzolo. Investigators explored whether escorts were sexually trafficked for Gaetz and whether Gaetz accepted paid escorts in exchange for political access or legislative favors for Pirozzolo.
September 2018: Greenberg Arranges Prostitute for Gaetz
In September 2018, text messages between Joel Greenberg and a woman engaging in prostitution indicated that a prostitute was arranged for Matt Gaetz and that MDMA may have been proffered. Greenberg later said he made the arrangements for Gaetz.
October 2018: Falsely Claimed George Soros Paid for Migrant Caravan
In October 2018, Gaetz falsely stated that George Soros paid for a caravan of migrants from Central America to the United States.
January 2019: End of Payment Period to Women
Between July 2017 and January 2019, Matt Gaetz paid two women a total of over $10,000 across 27 Venmo transactions and a check. This information was received by the House Ethics Committee from the DOJ.
February 26, 2019: Gaetz Tweets at Michael Cohen
On February 26, 2019, Matt Gaetz tweeted at Michael Cohen, implying Cohen had extramarital affairs and suggesting Cohen's wife might be unfaithful, which was seen by other members of Congress as an attempt to intimidate a witness.
April 2019: Hired Darren Beattie as Speechwriter
In April 2019, Matt Gaetz hired Darren Beattie as a speechwriter. Beattie had previously been fired as a speechwriter for the Trump administration after attending a conference associated with white nationalists.
August 2019: Florida Bar Finds No Probable Cause
In August 2019, The Florida Bar announced it had found no probable cause that Gaetz had violated its rules regarding his tweet about Michael Cohen.
October 2019: Storming of SCIF
In October 2019, Matt Gaetz organized a "storming" of a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) on Capitol Hill.
January 2020: Secret Service Receives Tip About Gaetz and Greenberg
In January 2020, the U.S. Secret Service reportedly received a tip regarding an April 2018 incident where Matt Gaetz allegedly accompanied Joel Greenberg to a government office where Greenberg was producing fake IDs, leading to federal scrutiny of Gaetz's activities.
March 2020: Wore Gas Mask During House Debate on COVID-19 Funds
In early March 2020, Gaetz wore a gas mask during a House debate on funds to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking controversy. Later in March 2020, he self-quarantined after contact with a COVID-19 positive attendee and tested negative, but continued self-quarantine.
April 2020: Report on Office Rental
In April 2020, Politico reported that Gaetz had spent nearly $200,000 of taxpayer funds renting an office from Collier Merrill, a Pensacola real estate developer, raising ethics concerns.
June 1, 2020: Tweeted About Antifa During George Floyd Protests
On June 1, 2020, during the George Floyd protests, Gaetz tweeted a controversial statement about Antifa, which was flagged by Twitter for glorifying violence. He defended his statement and criticized Twitter's action.
July 1, 2020: Office of Congressional Ethics Terminates Review
On July 1, 2020, the Office of Congressional Ethics notified Gaetz it had terminated its review of the lease arrangements.
July 2020: Report on Questionable Expenditures
In July 2020, Politico reported that its investigation had found expenditures by Gaetz that appeared to violate the House ethics rules, including spending on a speech-writing consultant and a television studio in his father's home.
August 2020: Joel Greenberg Indicted, Investigation of Gaetz Begins
In August 2020, Joel Greenberg was indicted on multiple charges, including sex trafficking, which led federal officials to investigate Matt Gaetz's related activities. Later in 2020, the Justice Department opened an investigation of Gaetz for allegedly sex trafficking a minor.
August 26, 2020: Tweeted Support for Kyle Rittenhouse
On August 26, 2020, Gaetz tweeted in support of Kyle Rittenhouse, who was involved in a shooting during the Jacob Blake protests. Gaetz was one of three representatives to offer Rittenhouse a Congressional internship.
November 2020: Gaetz Argues for Pardons
In November 2020, Matt Gaetz argued on Fox News that Trump "should pardon Michael Flynn [and] everyone from himself to his administration officials to Joe Exotic".
December 4, 2020: Attended Indoor NY Young Republicans Club Conference
On December 4, 2020, during a surge in COVID-19 cases, Gaetz attended an indoor New York Young Republicans Club conference in New Jersey and was seen posing for photos with unmasked attendees, which led to public condemnation.
2020: Filed Ethics Complaint Against Nancy Pelosi
After the 2020 State of the Union Address, Matt Gaetz filed an ethics complaint against speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, arguing that she had committed a "flagrant violation of decorum" and perhaps broken the law by ripping up her copy of the speech.
2020: Accusations of Child Sex Trafficking
In 2020, Matt Gaetz was accused of child sex trafficking and statutory rape, but the DOJ decided not to charge him.
2020: Gaetz Makes "Repeated Passes" at Cassidy Hutchinson
In 2020, during a trip to Camp David, Matt Gaetz allegedly made "repeated passes" at former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson and asked her to "escort" him to his room, according to Hutchinson's memoir. Gaetz has denied these allegations.
January 7, 2021: Blamed Antifa for Capitol Attack
On January 7, 2021, Matt Gaetz falsely blamed antifa for the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
January 10, 2021: Kevin McCarthy Complains About Gaetz
On a January 10, 2021, phone call, House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy complained that Matt Gaetz was unnecessarily "putting people in jeopardy", noting that the rioters at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 "came prepared with rope".
February 2021: Skipped Votes for CPAC
In February 2021, Gaetz and other Republican House members skipped votes, citing the COVID-19 pandemic while actually attending the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
March 30, 2021: Gaetz Considers Leaving Congress Amidst Investigation
On March 30, 2021, it was reported that Matt Gaetz was considering leaving Congress for a job at Newsmax. That same day, The New York Times reported the Justice Department's investigation of Gaetz, which included examining whether he used campaign money for travel and expenses related to young women.
March 31, 2021: McCarthy Declines to Remove Gaetz from Committees
On March 31, 2021, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy stated he had no plans to remove Matt Gaetz from his seats on the Judiciary and Armed Services Committees unless Gaetz was indicted or the allegations against him were proven true.
April 2021: Report of Greenberg's Confession Letter
In April 2021, The Daily Beast reported that in late 2020, Joel Greenberg apparently attempted to secure a pardon from the Trump administration via a confession letter, writing that he and Gaetz had had sex with a 17-year-old girl they believed was 19, which Greenberg learned of on September 4, 2017, and that payments had been made on behalf of Gaetz to her and other women in exchange for sex.
April 2021: House Ethics Committee Opens Probe
In April 2021, the House Ethics Committee began its probe into Matt Gaetz's alleged misconduct, but soon paused it while the DOJ investigated.
May 7, 2021: "America First Tour" Started
On May 7, 2021, Matt Gaetz and Georgia representative Marjorie Taylor Greene began a nationwide "America First Tour" in The Villages, Florida.
May 2021: Capitol Hill Intern Cooperates with Investigators
In May 2021, a Capitol Hill intern who was dating Matt Gaetz during his September 2018 Bahamas trip agreed to cooperate with investigators, believing she has information about Gaetz's financial transactions on the trip.
May 2021: Made Controversial Second Amendment Comments at Rally
In May 2021, during an "America First" rally, Gaetz made controversial remarks about the Second Amendment, suggesting the need for armed rebellion against the government if necessary. This led to accusations of inciting violence, which Gaetz denied.
June 2021: Voted Against Congressional Gold Medal
In June 2021, Matt Gaetz was one of 21 House Republicans to vote against a resolution to give the Congressional Gold Medal to police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on January 6.
June 23, 2021: Tweeted About Defunding the FBI
On June 23, 2021, Gaetz tweeted that the FBI should be defunded, while under investigation for alleged sex trafficking and having sex with a minor. He later deleted the tweet. As of 2024, there is still no evidence for such a claim.
August 2021: Greenberg's Sentencing Delayed Due to Cooperation
In August 2021, Joel Greenberg's sentencing hearing was originally scheduled, but due to his cooperation in investigations, including those involving Matt Gaetz, it had been repeatedly delayed.
August 2021: Stephen Alford Indicted for Extortion Scheme
In August 2021, Stephen Alford was federally indicted for allegedly conducting an extortion scheme against Matt Gaetz, demanding money in exchange for making sex trafficking allegations "go away".
2021: Called Anti-Defamation League a "Racist Organization"
In 2021, Matt Gaetz called the Anti-Defamation League a "racist organization" after it condemned Tucker Carlson's promotion of Great Replacement theory.
January 2022: Joseph Ellicott Pleads Guilty and Cooperates
In January 2022, Joseph Ellicott, an associate of Matt Gaetz and Joel Greenberg, pleaded guilty to two charges related to the investigation and is cooperating with authorities regarding events like the May 2018 Venmo transaction.
January 2022: Gaetz's Ex-Girlfriend Testifies Before Grand Jury
In January 2022, an ex-girlfriend of Matt Gaetz testified before a grand jury after being granted immunity; she reportedly had information relevant to sex trafficking and obstruction of justice charges being considered for Gaetz. Also in January 2022, Joseph Ellicott confessed that on September 4, 2017, he witnessed Greenberg telling Gaetz over the phone that the woman they had both had sex with was underage.
April 2022: Reported Conversation Between McCarthy and Gaetz
The January 10, 2021 conversation between Kevin McCarthy and Matt Gaetz was reported in April 2022.
July 23, 2022: Made Controversial Remarks at Student Action Summit
On July 23, 2022, Gaetz made controversial comments about overweight and unattractive women at a Student Action Summit, mocking them for supporting abortion rights. This led to significant backlash and fundraising efforts for abortion funds.
July 26, 2022: Voted Against Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act
On July 26, 2022, Gaetz voted against the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act.
September 2022: Prioritize Impeachment Inquiries
In September 2022, Matt Gaetz said that Republicans should prioritize "impeachment inquiries" against Democrats if Republicans won the 2022 U.S. House of Representatives elections.
September 2022: Prosecutors Recommend Against Charging Gaetz
In September 2022, a Washington Post article reported that prosecutors had recommended not to charge Matt Gaetz in the sex trafficking investigation, citing credibility questions about key witnesses.
December 1, 2022: Greenberg Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison
On December 1, 2022, Joel Greenberg was sentenced to 11 years in prison, plus 10 years of supervised release, thanks to his assistance with prosecutors in a series of investigations, including those involving Matt Gaetz.
2022: House Majority and Speakership Vote
In 2022, Republicans regained a narrow House majority, leading to a contested speakership vote where Matt Gaetz and others withheld votes from Kevin McCarthy through 14 ballots. Ultimately, on January 7, Gaetz switched his vote to "present", allowing McCarthy to win the speakership.
2022: Ethics Committee Contacts Gaetz's Ex-Girlfriend
In 2022, the House Ethics Committee contacted Matt Gaetz's ex-girlfriend, who in 2022 had received immunity and testified in the criminal investigation, though reportedly it did not expect her to cooperate in the ethics investigation voluntarily.
February 2023: Invited Corey Ryan Beekman to Lead Pledge
In February 2023, Matt Gaetz invited Corey Ryan Beekman to lead the pledge of allegiance at a Judiciary Committee hearing, which caused controversy due to Beekman's murder charge.
February 2023: DOJ Ends Investigation of Gaetz Without Charges
In February 2023, the DOJ communicated to Matt Gaetz's attorneys that they had concluded their investigation and would not be laying charges against him, effectively ending a multiyear probe including allegations of misconduct.
February 2023: House Ethics Committee Reopens Probe
Shortly after the February 2023 conclusion of the DOJ investigation, the House Ethics Committee reopened its probe into Matt Gaetz's alleged misconduct.
March 2023: Hired Derrick Miller
In March 2023, The Intercept reported that Gaetz had hired Derrick Miller, who had been convicted of murder, as his military legislative aide.
June 2023: House Ethics Committee Resumes Investigation
In June 2023, the House Ethics Committee resumed its investigation into Matt Gaetz, which had been deferred at the request of the Justice Department. The investigation concerns allegations including sexual misconduct and misuse of campaign funds.
September 2023: Denounced Biden Impeachment Effort
In September 2023, Matt Gaetz denounced the Biden impeachment effort as a political stunt.
October 2, 2023: Filed Resolution to Oust McCarthy
On October 2, 2023, Matt Gaetz filed a resolution to oust Kevin McCarthy from his role as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives after the latter had negotiated with Democrats to pass a shutdown-averting continuing resolution which did not include fiscally conservative reforms.
October 2023: Motion to Vacate Filed
In October 2023, Matt Gaetz filed a motion to vacate, leading to the removal of Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
October 2023: Filed Motion to Vacate Leading to Removal of Kevin McCarthy
In October 2023, Matt Gaetz filed a motion to vacate, which resulted in the removal of Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
April 2024: McCarthy Accused Gaetz of Protecting Himself
In April 2024, Kevin McCarthy accused Matt Gaetz of filing the motion to oust him as a means of protecting himself against allegations of having had sex with a 17-year-old minor.
September 2024: Court Documents Describe Party Attended by Gaetz
In September 2024, court documents stated that, according to multiple eyewitnesses, Matt Gaetz had attended a party in 2017 alongside a 17-year-old girl at the home of lobbyist Chris Dorworth, where people engaged in sexual activities and did drugs.
November 2024: Resignation from the House
In November 2024, Matt Gaetz resigned from the House of Representatives due to his nomination as United States Attorney General, leading to the Ethics Committee probe losing jurisdiction and its report potentially not being released.
December 2024: House Ethics Committee Report
In December 2024, the House Ethics Committee released a report which found evidence that Gaetz paid for sex—including with a 17-year-old—and abused illegal drugs during his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives.
2024: Introduced National Prayer in School Act
In 2024, Gaetz condemned schools for promoting what he described as "degenerate LGBT and anti-White propaganda" and introduced his "National Prayer In School Act".
