Congressman Matt Gaetz on Tuesday night denied he had an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old girl and paid for her to travel with him after The New York Times reported that the Justice Department was investigating the matter. Gaetz, a close ally of former President Trump, appeared on Fox News’ “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” where he claimed he was the victim of an attempted extortion.
The New York Times, citing three unnamed sources, reported that investigators are looking into whether Gaetz “violated federal sex trafficking laws.” The investigation reportedly began under the Trump administration.
Gaetz denied the relationship to Carlson and in a separate statement. “The person doesn’t exist. I have not had a relationship with a 17-year-old,” Gaetz told Carlson. “That is totally false.”