The Tangled Life Of Matt Gaetz Explained
By DB KELLY
History - Science
Content Warning
This article contains discusses sexual assault and human trafficking.
Preemptive Pardon
During Donald Trump's presidency, Matt Gaetz approached Trump aides to request a blanket, preemptive pardon for all that he might be found guilty of in the future.
Gaetz also asked for pardons for two unidentified associates while Justice Department representatives were inquiring about allegations that he had sexual relations with a minor.
Underage Girl
An investigation was opened over accusations that Gaetz had a sexual relationship with a minor and paid the then-17-year-old to travel with him across state lines.
Gaetz told The New York Times about the investigation: "I have a suspicion that someone is trying to recategorize my generosity to ex-girlfriends as something more untoward."
Extortion Plot
Gaetz's father, former Senator Don Gaetz, was told to fund the rescue of Iranian-help American hostage Robert A. Levinson to make Matt's legal worries go away.
Don produced evidence with text messages and a few months later Stephen Alford, a Florida businessman, entered a guilty plea to an attempt to extort Gaetz’s family of $25 million.
Human Trafficking
Gaetz voted against the Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act that would spend a billion dollars on programs for trafficking victims.
Gaetz told The Hill the legislation "would serve as 'a backdoor loophole for illegal immigration and amnesty.'" It was the second time Gaetz voted against sex trafficking laws.
Nude Photos
Former House Republican Tom Goodso spearheaded an anti-revenge porn bill that passed. He told The Washington Post that "Matt [Gaetz] was absolutely against it."
The bill criminalized online sharing of nude photos without the consent of the person in the photos. Multiple sources told CNN Gaetz often shared "photos and videos of nude women."