Matt Gaetz Speaks Out Against Sexual Misconduct Allegations

On Friday, Florida representative Matt Gaetz spoke out against allegations of sexual misconduct. Speaking from the Save America Summit at former President Donald Trump’s Doral golf club in Miami, Gaetz said, “I have not yet begun to fight.” Gaetz currently faces a federal investigation into whether he violated sex trafficking laws and had a sexual relationship with a minor. ​The New York Times reported Thursday that investigators also believe Gaetz was involved with multiple women who were recruited online for sex and received cash payments. Gaetz has denied the claims, calling the allegations a "smear campaign." This comes after Gaetz reportedly asked the Trump administration for blanket preemptive pardons for himself and congressional allies; Gaetz was under investigation by the Department of Justice for sex trafficking at the time. On Friday, Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger became the first GOP member to call for Gaetz's resignation. Coverage from the right tended to focus on Gaetz' defense against the claims during his Friday speech while center- and left-rated outlets tended to focus on the allegations against him. Some voices from the left likened Gaetz' defensive attitude to Trump's past approach to scandal.