Congressman Matt Gaetz declared victory on Wednesday, after the Justice Department closed its long-running sex trafficking investigation, without any charges being filed against him.
Gaetz, a firebrand Republican who represented Florida’s Panhandle during former President Donald Trump’s administration, had maintained his innocence throughout the investigation.
“My lawyers have been formally informed by the Department of Justice that their investigation is over,” said Gaetz in a statement released through his congressional office.
The Department of Justice has yet to officially comment on the closing of the investigation. CNN was first to report this development.
Rep. Matt Gaetz not charged in "sex-trafficking" hoax.
Every member of the media who pushed this lie should be investigated and punished.
Enemies of the people.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 15, 2023
As one of the more junior members of Congress, Matt Gaetz has received a lot of attention through his frequent TV appearances in recent years, staunchly defending former President Donald Trump. While many Republicans initially praised him, few have actually supported him as the sex trafficking investigation surrounded his career, and some have even shied away from him altogether.
Despite this, Gaetz maintained his innocence and declared victory on Wednesday when the Justice Department closed its long-running investigation without any charges being filed against him.
The Department of Justice is yet to officially comment on the closing of the investigation and CNN was first to report this development.
