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 who represented Florida's 1st congressional district from 2017 until his resignation in 2024. A Republican and self-described libertarian populist, he is considered a proponent of far-right politics and a staunch ally of Donald Trump. Gaetz initiated the motion to vacate that resulted in Kevin McCarthy's removal as Speaker of the House. Gaetz resigned from Congress in light of an ongoing investigation into allegations of sex trafficking and obstruction of justice.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2007: Disappearance of Robert Levinson

In 2007, U.S. federal agent Robert Levinson disappeared in Iran. This event is referenced in extortion attempts against Gaetz where the sender proposes that President Joe Biden would pardon Gaetz as a reward for freeing Levinson.

2008: Gaetz Arrested for DUI

In 2008, Matt Gaetz was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) on Okaloosa Island, Florida, after being recorded driving 48 mph in a 35 mph zone and showing signs of intoxication. He initially denied drinking alcohol but later admitted to consuming two beers and refused a breathalyzer test after failing field sobriety tests.

2015: Gaetz Sponsors Amendment to Repeal Ban on Same-Sex Adoption

In 2015, as a Florida state representative, Matt Gaetz co-sponsored an amendment to repeal the state ban on same-sex adoptions. He also persuaded his father, then in the Florida State Senate, to support the repeal. Furthermore, after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, Gaetz expressed his disagreement, arguing that each state should decide on same-sex marriage, viewing the decision as judicial activism.

March 2016: Jason Pirozzolo Donated to Gaetz's Campaign Arm

In March 2016, Jason Pirozzolo gave a donation of $1,000 to Matt Gaetz's campaign arm, "Friends of Matt Gaetz".

September 25, 2016: Criticism of Athletes Protesting During National Anthem

Following the death of Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández, on September 25, 2016, Matt Gaetz criticized athletes protesting during the national anthem in a tweet.

2016: Gaetz Promises to "Kill Muslim Terrorists and Build the Wall"

During his 2016 congressional campaign, Matt Gaetz promised to "kill Muslim terrorists and build the wall" in several commercials, reflecting his early support for Trump and his appeal to the Republican Party base.

2016: Acknowledged global warming but disagreed with scientific consensus

In 2016, Matt Gaetz acknowledged global warming but said he disagrees with the scientific consensus on climate change that human activity is the primary cause.

2016: Announced run for Congress, made statement about undocumented immigrants

Upon announcing his run for Congress in 2016, Matt Gaetz said that undocumented immigrants were "sucking us dry".

January 2017: Proposed legislation to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency

In January 2017, Matt Gaetz proposed legislation to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency, claiming that it hurts small businesses via the costs associated with compliance.

April 2017: Labeled as a climate change denier

In April 2017, the Center for American Progress and Vice Media labeled Matt Gaetz as a climate change denier, citing his 2016 statements.

May 2017: Jason Pirozzolo Donated to Gaetz's Campaign Arm

In May 2017, Jason Pirozzolo gave a donation of $1,000 to Matt Gaetz's campaign arm, "Friends of Matt Gaetz".

July 2017: Allegations of Sexual Encounter with Minor

In July 2017, Matt Gaetz allegedly had a sexual encounter with a 17-year-old girl, according to testimony provided to the House Ethics Committee.

September 4, 2017: Greenberg Learns of Underage Status of a Girl

On September 4, 2017, Greenberg learned that he and Gaetz had sex with a 17-year-old girl they believed was 19.

October 2017: Argued Medicaid expansion fueled the opioid crisis

In October 2017, Matt Gaetz argued that the Medicaid expansion permitted by the Affordable Care Act fueled the opioid crisis. PolitiFact rated the claim "mostly false".

November 2017: Gaetz Calls for Mueller's Recusal

In November 2017, Matt Gaetz introduced a congressional resolution calling for Robert Mueller to recuse himself as special counsel due to alleged conflicts of interest. He also asked for a special counsel investigation into the FBI's handling of the Hillary Clinton email controversy.

2017: Alleged Misconduct at Party

In 2017, Matt Gaetz allegedly attended a party at Chris Dorworth's home where sexual activities and drug use occurred, with a 17-year-old girl present, according to court documents filed in September 2024.

2017: Alleged Sex Trafficking of a 17-Year-Old Girl

In 2017, Matt Gaetz allegedly engaged in sex trafficking of the same 17-year-old girl. Later, in late 2020, the Justice Department opened its investigation of Gaetz for allegedly sex trafficking the same 17-year-old girl in 2017 and whether he had violated federal sex trafficking laws by paying her to travel with him across state lines.

2017: Testimony Obtained by Hacker

In 2017, the sworn testimony of a woman alleging a sexual encounter with Matt Gaetz when she was 17, along with corroborating testimony, was obtained by a hacker on November 18. The hacker did not immediately leak the material.

January 2018: Defended Trump's "shithole" countries statement

In January 2018, Matt Gaetz defended a statement by Donald Trump that reportedly said Haiti and African nations were "shithole" countries, saying that Haiti was covered by "sheet metal and garbage" and in "disgusting" condition.

January 2018: Gaetz Invites 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, sparking controversy.

April 2018: Gaetz Allegedly Accompanies Greenberg to Government Office for Fake IDs

In April 2018, Matt Gaetz reportedly accompanied Joel Greenberg to a government office where Greenberg was producing fake IDs. This event led to further scrutiny when Greenberg was later indicted on sex trafficking and fake ID charges in August 2020, sparking a federal investigation into Gaetz's related activities.

May 2018: Venmo Transaction Suggests Gaetz Illegally Exchanged Money for Sex

In May 2018, Venmo transaction records reportedly showed Matt Gaetz sending $900 (with a memo referring to a woman) to Joel Greenberg, who then relayed the money (with the memos "tuition" and "school") to three women, one of whom was 18, suggesting Gaetz had illegally exchanged money for sex.

September 2018: Federal Investigators Look Into Gaetz's Trip to the Bahamas

According to reports in 2021, federal investigators were looking into Matt Gaetz's September 2018 trip to the Bahamas. Gaetz was reportedly joined by Jason Pirozzolo, who allegedly paid trip accommodations, traveling expenses, and escort services. The investigation explored whether the escorts were sexually trafficked for Gaetz and whether Gaetz accepted paid escorts in exchange for political access or legislative favors for Pirozzolo.

September 2018: Text Messages Indicate Prostitute Arranged for Gaetz

In September 2018, text messages between Greenberg and a woman engaging in prostitution indicate that a prostitute was arranged for Gaetz and that MDMA may have been proffered.

October 2018: Falsely stated George Soros paid for migrant caravan

In October 2018, Matt Gaetz falsely stated that George Soros paid for a caravan of migrants from Central America to the United States.

January 2019: Gaetz Paid Women Over $10,000

Between July 2017 and January 2019, Matt Gaetz allegedly paid two women a total of over $10,000 through 27 Venmo transactions and a check, according to DOJ records provided to the House Ethics Committee.

February 26, 2019: Gaetz Tweets About Cohen Before Hearing

On February 26, 2019, Matt Gaetz tweeted at Michael Cohen, implying Cohen had extramarital affairs and suggesting his wife might be unfaithful. This occurred the night before Cohen's public hearing before the House Oversight Committee. The tweet was viewed by some members of Congress as an attempt to intimidate a witness. Gaetz initially defended his tweet, but later deleted it and apologized following criticism.

April 2019: Hiring of Darren Beattie

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 Against Gaetz

In August 2019, the Florida Bar announced that it had found no probable cause that Matt Gaetz had violated its rules regarding his tweet about Michael Cohen.

October 2019: Gaetz Organizes 'Storming' of Sensitive Facility

In October 2019, Matt Gaetz organized a "storming" of a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility on Capitol Hill by about two dozen Republican congressmen during the impeachment inquiry into Trump, potentially compromising U.S. national security.

January 2020: U.S. Secret Service Receives Tip About Gaetz's Involvement with Fake IDs

In January 2020, the U.S. Secret Service reportedly received a tip that, in April 2018, Matt Gaetz had accompanied Joel Greenberg to a government office where Greenberg was producing fake IDs. In August 2020, Greenberg was indicted on an array of charges, including sex trafficking and creating fake IDs to facilitate sex trafficking, which led to a federal investigation into Gaetz's related activities.

March 2020: Wore gas mask and self-quarantined due to COVID-19 exposure

In early March 2020, Matt Gaetz wore a gas mask during a House debate on funds to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Later in March 2020, Gaetz's office reported that he had been in contact with a Conservative Political Action Conference attendee who tested positive for COVID-19, and he self-quarantined.

April 2020: Report on Gaetz's Office Rental

In April 2020, Politico reported that Matt Gaetz had spent nearly $200,000 of taxpayer funds renting an office from Collier Merrill. This arrangement raised concerns due to House rules regarding below-market rentals and relationships between parties.

June 1, 2020: Tweeted about hunting down antifa

On June 1, 2020, during the nationwide George Floyd protests, Matt Gaetz tweeted, "Now that we clearly see antifa as terrorists, can we hunt them down like we do those in the Middle East?" Twitter labeled it as "[violating] the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence".

July 1, 2020: Office of Congressional Ethics Terminates Review

On July 1, 2020, the Office of Congressional Ethics notified Matt Gaetz that it had terminated its review of the lease arrangements.

July 2020: Politico Reports on Gaetz's Expenditures

In July 2020, Politico reported that its investigation had found expenditures by Matt Gaetz that appeared to violate House ethics rules. These included spending on a speech-writing consultant and having a private company install a television studio in his father's home in Niceville, Florida.

August 2020: Greenberg Indicted, Federal Officials Investigate Gaetz

In August 2020, Joel Greenberg was indicted on charges including sex trafficking a 17-year-old girl in 2017 and creating fake IDs. The investigation of Greenberg led federal officials to look into some of Gaetz's related activities.

August 26, 2020: Tweeted in support of Kyle Rittenhouse

On August 26, 2020, Matt Gaetz tweeted "The mob wants to destroy America. We need PATRIOTS who will defend her" in support of Kyle Rittenhouse. Gaetz was one of three representatives to offer Rittenhouse a Congressional internship.

November 2020: Gaetz Argues Trump Should Pardon Michael Flynn and Joe Exotic

In a November 2020 Fox News appearance, Matt Gaetz argued 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, Matt Gaetz attended an indoor New York Young Republicans Club conference in Jersey City, New Jersey, during a period of surging COVID-19 cases. He was seen posing for photos in a crowd of unmasked attendees, prompting public condemnation.

2020: Accusations of Child Sex Trafficking

In 2020, Matt Gaetz faced accusations of child sex trafficking and statutory rape, which were investigated by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Ultimately, the DOJ decided not to press charges.

2020: Cassidy Hutchinson's Memoir Claims Gaetz Made Unwanted Advances

In 2020, according to Cassidy Hutchinson's memoir, while on a trip to Camp David, Matt Gaetz allegedly made "repeated passes" at her and asked her to "escort" him to his room. Gaetz has denied these actions.

January 7, 2021: Gaetz Blames Antifa for Capitol Attack

On January 7, 2021, after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, Matt Gaetz falsely blamed antifa for the attack, suggesting rioters were "masquerading as Trump supporters." He also voted against the second impeachment of Donald Trump.

January 10, 2021: Kevin McCarthy Complaint

On January 10, 2021, House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy complained that Matt Gaetz was unnecessarily "putting people in jeopardy" regarding the January 6th Capitol riot.

February 2021: Ethics Complaint Filed Against Gaetz for Skipping Votes

In February 2021, Matt Gaetz and other Republican House members skipped votes, citing the COVID-19 pandemic, but were actually attending the Conservative Political Action Conference. The Campaign for Accountability filed a complaint with the House Committee on Ethics, requesting an investigation into Gaetz and the other lawmakers.

March 30, 2021: Reports Surface of Gaetz Considering Leaving Congress Amid DOJ Investigation

On March 30, 2021, Axios reported that Matt Gaetz was "seriously considering not seeking re-election and possibly leaving Congress early for a job at Newsmax." The same day, The New York Times reported the Justice Department's investigation of Gaetz, which included examining the use of campaign money in relationships with young women, as well as the potential involvement of cash and drugs.

March 31, 2021: McCarthy Says He Has No Plans to Remove Gaetz From Committee Seats

On March 31, 2021, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he had no plans to remove Matt Gaetz from his seats on the Judiciary and Armed Services Committees, but that he might change his mind if Gaetz "gets indicted" or "if it comes out to be true".

April 2021: Greenberg Attempts to Secure Pardon from Trump Administration

In April 2021, The Daily Beast reported that in late 2020, Joel Greenberg 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 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 initiated an investigation into Matt Gaetz's alleged misconduct but temporarily suspended it pending the DOJ's investigation.

May 2021: Remarks at America First rally

During a May 2021 "America First" rally with Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz suggested the Second Amendment provides an obligation to use it, implying the ability to maintain an armed rebellion against the government if necessary. He criticized Big Tech, leading to accusations of inciting violence against Silicon Valley employees.

May 2021: Capitol Hill Intern Agrees to Cooperate With Investigators

In May 2021, a Capitol Hill intern who was dating Matt Gaetz at the time of his September 2018 Bahamas trip reportedly agreed to cooperate with investigators, who believed she had information about Gaetz's financial transactions on the trip.

June 10, 2021: Chinese whistle-blower possessed text messages and documents concerning COVID-19's origins

After a contentious House committee hearing on June 10, 2021, Gaetz said a Chinese whistle-blower possessed text messages and documents concerning COVID-19's origins that US government investigators had failed to pursue.

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: Gaetz tweets about defunding the FBI

On June 23, 2021, Matt Gaetz tweeted that the FBI should be defunded amid an investigation into alleged sex trafficking and having sex with a minor. He stated, "If Democrats want to defund the police, they should start with the FBI." He later deleted the tweet.

August 2021: Co-sponsored resolution to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas and Joe Biden

In August 2021, Matt Gaetz co-sponsored a resolution by Andy Biggs to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. Later in August 2021, Gaetz co-sponsored a resolution by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene to impeach president Biden.

August 2021: Alford Indicted for Alleged Extortion Scheme

In August 2021, Stephen Alford was federally indicted for allegedly conducting an extortion scheme against Matt Gaetz. Prosecutors alleged that Alford said he had contacts in the Justice Department who could arrange for a presidential pardon for Gaetz and directed Don Gaetz to wire the money to a trust account managed by David McGee.

August 2021: Greenberg's Sentencing Hearing Delayed Due to Cooperation

Joel Greenberg's sentencing hearing was originally scheduled for August 2021, but due to his cooperation in related investigations, had been repeatedly delayed.

2021: Gaetz Calls Anti-Defamation League Racist

In 2021, Matt Gaetz called the Anti-Defamation League a "racist organization" after it condemned Tucker Carlson's promotion of Great Replacement theory. Gaetz said that Carlson "is CORRECT about Replacement Theory as he explains what is happening to America."

2021: Voted against condemning the Myanmar coup d'état

In 2021, Matt Gaetz was one of 14 House Republicans to vote against a measure condemning the Myanmar coup d'état that overwhelmingly passed, for reasons reported to be unclear.

January 2022: Joseph Ellicott Pleads Guilty and Cooperates with Authorities

In January 2022, Joseph Ellicott, an associate of both Matt Gaetz and Joel Greenberg, pleaded guilty to two charges related to the investigation and is also cooperating with authorities.

January 2022: Gaetz's Ex-Girlfriend Testifies Before Grand Jury

In January 2022, an ex-girlfriend of Gaetz's testified before a grand jury after being granted immunity; she reportedly had information relevant to sex trafficking a minor and obstruction of justice. 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: Conversation Reported

In April 2022, a conversation from January 10, 2021, was reported where House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy complained that Matt Gaetz was unnecessarily "putting people in jeopardy" regarding the January 6th Capitol riot.

July 23, 2022: Remarks at Student Action Summit

On July 23, 2022, Matt Gaetz gave a speech at a Student Action Summit gathering in Tampa, Florida, in which he made disparaging comments about overweight and unattractive women and their support for abortion rights.

September 2022: Called impeaching Biden a "priority"

In September 2022, Matt Gaetz called impeaching Joe Biden a "priority". He believed that many Republicans in Congress were hesitant to impeach Biden, but that Republican voters would feel "betrayed" if they did not.

September 2022: Gaetz Calls for Impeachment Inquiries Against Democrats

In September 2022, Matt Gaetz stated on Steve Bannon's War Room podcast that Republicans should prioritize "impeachment inquiries" against Democrats if they won the 2022 U.S. House elections, diminishing the priority of policy and bill-making.

September 2022: Prosecutors Recommend No Charges Against Gaetz

In September 2022, a Washington Post article reported that prosecutors recommended against charging Matt Gaetz in the sex trafficking investigation, citing credibility issues with key witnesses.

December 1, 2022: Greenberg Sentenced to Prison

On December 1, 2022, Matt Gaetz associate Greenberg was sentenced to 11 years in prison plus 10 years of supervised release due to his assistance with prosecutors in investigations, including those involving Gaetz. The sentencing judge noted Greenberg's substantial cooperation with the government.

2022: Gaetz Votes Against Respect for Marriage Act

In 2022, Matt Gaetz voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, which repealed the Defense of Marriage Act, which restricted legal recognition of marriage to opposite-sex marriage in federal law.

2022: Gaetz's Ex-Girlfriend Testifies

In 2022, Matt Gaetz's ex-girlfriend, who received immunity, testified in the criminal investigation against him, though the House Ethics Committee reportedly did not expect her cooperation in their own investigation.

February 2023: House Ethics Committee Reopens Probe

Following the DOJ's conclusion of its investigation in February 2023, the House Ethics Committee resumed its investigation into Matt Gaetz's alleged misconduct.

February 2023: Invitation to Corey Ryan Beekman

In February 2023, Matt Gaetz invited Corey Ryan Beekman, who had been charged with murder, to lead the pledge of allegiance at a Judiciary Committee hearing, which led to criticism and an apology from Gaetz.

February 2023: DOJ Ends Investigation, Will Not Charge Gaetz

In February 2023, the Department of Justice informed Matt Gaetz's attorneys that they concluded their investigation and would not be pressing charges against him, effectively ending a multiyear probe into allegations of misconduct.

March 2023: Gaetz Hires Derrick Miller as Aide

In March 2023, The Intercept reported that Matt Gaetz had hired Derrick Miller, who had served time in prison for murdering a civilian in Afghanistan, as his military legislative aide.

May 2023: Co-sponsored resolutions to impeach Biden and Mayorkas

In May 2023, Matt Gaetz co-sponsored resolutions by Marjorie Taylor Greene to impeach Joe Biden and Alejandro Mayorkas.

June 2023: House Ethics Committee Resumes Investigation of Gaetz

In June 2023, the House Ethics Committee resumed its investigation into Matt Gaetz after deferring it at the request of the Justice Department. The investigation concerns allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, misuse of state identification records, conversion of campaign funds, and acceptance of bribes or gifts.

September 2023: Denounced Biden impeachment effort

In September 2023, during a video conference moderated by Steve Bannon, Matt Gaetz denounced the impeachment effort against Joe Biden as a political stunt, stating he did not believe it was a legitimate impeachment.

October 2, 2023: Resolution to Oust McCarthy Filed

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 McCarthy negotiated with Democrats to pass a shutdown-averting continuing resolution. The resolution passed.

October 2023: Motion to Vacate Filed

In October 2023, Matt Gaetz filed a motion to vacate the speakership, which led to the removal of Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

October 2023: Gaetz Files Motion to Vacate, Leading to McCarthy's Removal

In October 2023, Matt Gaetz filed a motion to vacate, which led to the removal of Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

April 2024: McCarthy's Accusation

In April 2024, Kevin McCarthy accused Matt Gaetz of filing the motion to oust him as speaker of the House as a means of protecting himself against allegations of having had sex with a 17-year-old minor.

September 2024: Court Documents Detail Alleged Gaetz Misconduct

In September 2024, court documents revealed allegations that Matt Gaetz attended a party in 2017 at Chris Dorworth's home where sexual activities and drug use occurred, with a 17-year-old girl present.

November 2024: Gaetz Resigns from House Amid Ethics Probe

In mid-November 2024, days before a scheduled vote on the Ethics Committee report, Matt Gaetz resigned from the House following his nomination as United States Attorney General for Donald Trump's second term. This resignation caused the Ethics Committee to lose jurisdiction. Several senators requested to review the Ethics Committee report.

December 2024: Ethics Committee Report Released

In December 2024, Matt Gaetz withdrew his nomination for Attorney General and indicated he would not return to the House. The House Ethics Committee released its report on December 23, concluding that Gaetz violated Florida state laws but did not engage in sex trafficking across state lines. The committee identified at least 20 occasions in which Gaetz had paid women for sex or drugs, including over $90,000 to the 17-year-old girl and 11 other women.

2024: Gaetz Condemns LGBT and Anti-White Propaganda in Schools

In 2024, Matt Gaetz condemned schools for promoting what he described as "degenerate LGBT and anti-White propaganda" and introduced his "National Prayer In School Act".

January 2026: Ethics Committee Closes Statutory Rape Case

In January 2026, the Florida Bulldog published a report by the Florida Bar's committee of ethics that found substantial evidence that Gaetz committed statutory rape; it then closed the case.