Gaetz Exposed In Shady Real Estate Deal With Donor

Politico reports:

Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz has spent nearly $200,000 in taxpayer funds renting an office from a longtime friend, adviser, campaign donor and legal client. Both men said in separate interviews Gaetz paid below market rent for the space — although Gaetz later shifted, saying the rent was “at or below market rate.” House rules explicitly state such arrangements are not allowed.

House rules state that all leases for district offices must be “at fair market value as the result of a bona fide, arms-length, marketplace transaction. The Lessor and Lessee certify that the parties are not relatives nor have had, or continue to have, a professional or legal relationship (except as a landlord and tenant).” On Thursday, Gaetz’s office asked for more time to respond to the story because of a “call … with the White House.” Minutes later, Gaetz tweeted out his version of events.

.@politico is writing a smear piece on me as shills for the @SenatorBurr camp. (Probably in exchange for some other intel story.)

The scandalous oppo they’ve dumped:

I have an office lease at or below market rate, approved by the House, from Merrill Land Company.

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) April 16, 2020

They will compare to Burr’s actual cheating but remember this:

Burr got a deal for himself (probably more than one).

At worst, I got a deal for taxpayers (and some fish sandwiches for students) never ever realizing personal financial gain as a consequence of elected office.

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) April 16, 2020