Matt Gaetz Under Scrutiny for Over $10,000 in Venmo Payments to Women Involved in Ethics Investigation

Former Congressman Matt Gaetz, recently nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Attorney General, is facing intense scrutiny following revelations of Venmo payments he made to two women involved in investigations into his alleged sexual misconduct.

According to documents obtained by ABC News, between 2017 and 2019, Gaetz made 27 separate Venmo payments totaling $10,224.02 to the two women. These payments, ranging from $100 to $700, included descriptions such as “Car deductible,” “Gift,” and “Refreshment.” Some of the payments were confirmed by the women to be for sex.

The House Ethics Committee and the Department of Justice had been investigating Gaetz for allegations including sex trafficking and sex with a minor. Although the Department of Justice decided not to pursue charges last year, the House Ethics Committee was set to release its findings before Gaetz resigned from the House last week.

The women involved in the investigation could be called as witnesses during Gaetz’s nomination hearing, which is expected to be highly contentious. Senators have hinted that the evidence, including the Venmo payments, will be presented during the hearing. President-elect Trump’s team has dismissed the allegations as “baseless” and intended to undermine Gaetz’s nomination.

Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing, but the revelations have sparked significant controversy around his nomination. Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Stephen Miller, suggested that if the nomination process becomes troublesome, Trump might use recess appointments to push Gaetz through without Senate approval.