Rep. Gaetz Pushes Back on DOJ Sexual Misconduct Investigation

Gaetz alleges 'organized criminal extortion ... seeking $25 million while threatening to smear my name'

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) holds a phone to the microphone as Donald Trump Jr. speaks remotely to a crowd during a rally against Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Jan. 28, 2021. Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) said on March 30 that he is under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) over “sexual conduct with women” and denied any criminal wrongdoing, including allegations that he had a relationship with a teenage girl.

His remarks follow a New York Times report stating that Gaetz, who represents parts of western Florida, allegedly had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and paid for her to travel with him. The report cited three unnamed sources briefed on the matter.