Matt Gaetz says some of his past behavior was "embarrassing, though not criminal," after it was reported the House Ethics Committee plans to release its findings about the former congressman.
CNN reported Wednesday that the ethics committee voted to release its report on Gaetz and that the panel's findings could be made public within days, as Congress prepares to adjourn for the holidays.
The committee's probe centered on allegations against Gaetz of sexual misconduct with a teenage girl and drug use.
Gaetz responded with a post on X.
"The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes," said Gaetz, who resigned from Congress in November after President-elect Donald Trump tapped him to be his attorney general, a bid the former lawmaker later dropped.
"I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me."
Gaetz accused the ethics panel of conducting a rigged investigation.
"[T]he very 'witnesses' DOJ deemed not-credible were assembled by House Ethics to repeat their claims absent any cross-examination or challenge from me or my attorneys. I've had no chance to ever confront any accusers," Gaetz wrote. "I've never been charged. I've never been sued."
"Instead, House Ethics will reportedly post a report online that I have no opportunity to debate or rebut as a former member of the body."
Gaetz, who is married, insisted he never "had sexual contact" with a minor.
"In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated — even some I never dated but who asked," he wrote. "I dated several of these women for years. I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18. Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court — which is why no such claim was ever made in court."
"My 30s were an era of working very hard — and playing hard too."
Gaetz ended his X post by saying he lives "a different life now" and blasted lawmakers for considering a continuing resolution to fund the government for three months.
"It's embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank, and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now."
"But at least I didn't vote for CRs that f**k over the country!"
Reuters contributed to this story.
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Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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