<ul class="summary-list"><li>A video has surfaced of <keyword id="6354862" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="trump">Trump</keyword> and a man at the center of Gaetz's sex-trafficking allegations.</li><li><keyword id="11073748" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="jason-pirozzolo">Jason Pirozzolo</keyword> met Trump, then president, along with Gov. Ron <keyword id="11073749" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="desantis">DeSantis</keyword> in Florida in 2019.</li><li>Pirozzolo is accused of paying for female escorts for Gaetz on a Bahamas trip in 2018 or 2019.</li></ul>Footage from 2019 has surfaced of former President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, being greeted at a Florida airport by the man at the center of the sex-trafficking allegations involving GOP Rep. <keyword id="4142242" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="matt-gaetz">Matt Gaetz</keyword>.A video posted in June 2019 by Ryan Gillespie, a journalist at the Orlando Sentinel, shows the then-president, who was <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjL2Yi17vDvAhWt_7sIHRI-BywQFjAAegQIBBAD&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.businessinsider.com%2Ftrump-2020-campaign-rally-orlando-recap-2019-6&amp;usg=AOvVaw16K-uBObBRDA3ZQkBLoAzt9-6&amp;usg=AOvVaw16K-uBObBRDA3ZQkBLoAzt">in Orlando to launch his re-election bid</a>, and Melania Trump disembarking from a plane and meeting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Jason Pirozzolo on the airport tarmac.The Justice Department <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/federal-probe-matt-gaetz-looking-trips-took-bahamas-cbs-news-2021-4">is investigating whether Pirozzolo, a marijuana entrepreneur and hand surgeon, and Gaetz</a> broke federal sex-trafficking laws during a trip to the Bahamas in 2018 or 2019, CBS <keyword id="6355005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news">News</keyword> <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/matt-gaetz-trip-to-bahamas-is-part-of-federal-probe-into-sex-trafficking-sources-say/">reported</a>.Sources <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/matt-gaetz-bahamas-trip-federal-probe-sex-trafficking/">told CBS News</a> that Pirozzolo paid for the travel expenses, accommodation, and female escorts for those present on the Bahamas trip and said investigators are trying to determine whether the escorts were illegally trafficked across state lines for the purpose of sex with Gaetz. Neither man has been charged in connection with the investigation.<div type="image" title="trump de santis" height="2250" width="4500" msid="81988368" hostid="261"></div>It is unclear why Pirozzolo was present at the airport to greet President Trump.Gillespie wrote on Twitter at the time that Pirozzolo was "an Orlando hand surgeon and GOAA board member," referring to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.The Orlando Sentinel journalist Jason Garcia on Thursday reported that when Pirozzolo applied to become a GOAA board member, he listed Gaetz as one of his references.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">-Jason Garcia (@Jason_Garcia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1379932195335311366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2021</a></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">-Ryan Gillespie (@byRyanGillespie) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1141114614882742274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2019</a></blockquote>The department is also investigating allegations that Gaetz <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/matt-gaetz-sex-trafficking-extortion-investigation-explainer-timeline-2021-3">had sexual relations with a 17-year-old girl</a> across state lines, which could also represent a violation of state trafficking laws, The New York Times reported.Gaetz has denied all the allegations made against him in relation to the investigations and has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/matt-gaetz-sex-trafficking-extortion-investigation-explainer-timeline-2021-3">said he was the victim of an extortion scam</a>. He also specifically denied allegations relating to the Bahamas trip."Rep. Gaetz has never paid for sex, nor has he had sex with an underage girl," <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/matt-gaetz-bahamas-trip-federal-probe-sex-trafficking/">a spokesman told CBS</a>. "What began with blaring headlines about 'sex trafficking' has now turned into a general fishing exercise about vacations and consensual relationships with adults."Insider has reached out to DeSantis' office for comment.

Video shows Trump meeting the man at the center of the Matt Gaetz sex-trafficking allegations

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Rep. <keyword id="11923746" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="matt-gaetz" source="Orion">Matt Gaetz</keyword>'s ex-girlfriend testified before a federal grand jury in early January.</li><li>Authorities have already secured the cooperation of <keyword id="12251532" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="joel-greenberg" source="Orion">Joel Greenberg</keyword>, a former Gaetz associate.</li></ul>The Justice Department's wide-ranging sex crimes investigation into Rep. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/matt-gaetz">Matt Gaetz</a> of Florida advanced in dramatic fashion when Gaetz's ex-girlfriend this week testified before a federal grand jury.Her testimony marks a significant victory for prosecutors who for months had sought her cooperation while investigating whether Gaetz, a three-term Republican, broke federal sex-trafficking laws and obstructed justice.Investigators have already secured the cooperation of Joel Greenberg, a former Florida tax official and close associate of Gaetz's, who in 2021 <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/joel-greenberg-pleads-guilty-agrees-to-cooperate-against-gaetz-2021-5">pleaded guilty</a> to six felony counts. They include <keyword id="12054528" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="sex-trafficking" source="Orion">sex trafficking</keyword>, wire fraud, identity theft, stalking, and conspiracy."I think they are close to wrapping up the investigation," a source, who did not want to be identified and is familiar with the inquiry, told Insider. "They are locking in testimony for witnesses that they think are crucial for a potential trial."Here are 13 key people to watch as investigators close in on Gaetz:<h2>Joel Greenberg, a longtime associate of Gaetz</h2><div type="image" title="Joel Greenberg sits in a chair." height="1833" width="3667" msid="88981863" hostid="261"></div>Greenberg is perhaps the most important witness against Gaetz. The two are longtime former associates and friends, and investigators first became interested in Gaetz while they were conducting a separate sex-trafficking probe into Greenberg.Since he <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/joel-greenberg-pleads-guilty-agrees-to-cooperate-against-gaetz-2021-5">pleaded guilty last year</a>, Greenberg's sentencing hearing has been repeatedly rescheduled, indicating that he has information of significant interest for prosecutors in connection to the Gaetz inquiry. He would likely be the star witness against the Florida congressman if Gaetz is indicted and the case goes to trial.Among other things, Gaetz allegedly sent <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/gaetz-paid-accused-sex-trafficker-who-then-venmod-teen">two financial payments</a> through Venmo to Greenberg in 2018 that totaled $900, according to The Daily Beast. The outlet said that Greenberg then wired three financial payments to three different women through the same phone application that totaled the same amount.Greenberg also reportedly said in a <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/gaetz-paid-accused-sex-trafficker-who-then-venmod-teen?ref=scroll">letter to the longtime GOP strategist Roger Stone</a> that the Gaetz <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/gaetz-paid-accused-sex-trafficker-who-then-venmod-teen?ref=scroll">paid to have sex with a minor</a>.<h2>Gaetz's ex-girlfriend, a former Capitol Hill intern</h2>Gaetz's ex-girlfriend used to intern on Capitol Hill. She could be a key witness as investigators build their case against the congressman. Gaetz and his girlfriend were in an <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/01/12/matt-gaetz-sex-trafficking-probe/9190571002/">open relationship</a> in 2017 and 2018, and <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/matt-gaetz-s-ex-girlfriend-testifies-grand-jury-sex-trafficking-n1287352">reports say</a> she traveled with Gaetz and several others to the Bahamas in 2018 as part of a trip that has also drawn investigators' scrutiny. Gaetz's former girlfriend, whose name Insider is withholding to protect her privacy, was seen entering a courthouse with her attorney last week and is said to have <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/matt-gaetz-ex-girlfriend-testified-grand-jury-sex-trafficking-investigation-2022-1">provided testimony to a federal grand jury</a> in the investigation. CBS <keyword id="11893589" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news" source="Orion">News</keyword> <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/matt-gaetz-ex-girlfriend-immunity-testimony-sexy-trafficking-probe/">reported</a> that she was granted immunity before she testified last week.<h2>Megan Zalonka, former communications director for a marijuana association</h2>Zalonka could also be a potential witness against Gaetz if he is formally charged and the case proceeds to trial. The Daily Beast <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/rep-matt-gaetz-snorted-cocaine-with-megan-zalonka-escort-who-had-no-show-govt-job">reported</a> that Zalonka was one of several women with whom Gaetz paid to have sex.The outlet reported that Gaetz was seen with Zalonka at an Orlando, Florida, fundraiser in 2019. At the time, she was reportedly working as an Instagram model and a paid escort. Zalonka, who is a former communications director for the American Medical Marijuana Physicians Association, has not publicly spoken out about the Gaetz investigation or commented on the Daily Beast's reporting. <h2>Chris Dorworth, a former member of the state legislature </h2>Dorworth is a longtime Gaetz associate. The two men served in the Florida state legislature together.The New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/08/us/politics/matt-gaetz-investigation.html">reported</a> that Gaetz and Dorworth discussed inserting a third-party candidate in the 2020 Florida Senate race in order to help Jason T. Brodeur, another associate of Gaetz, win the election.Brodeur ultimately won the seat. However, Dorworth told the outlet that he did not recollect having a discussion with Gaetz about having a third candidate running for the same seat.Dorworth joined Ballard Partners, a lobbying and public affairs firm run by Brian Ballard, a Trump ally, in 2012 but departed the firm shortly after news of the investigation into Gaetz broke. <h2>Halsey Beshears, former Republican state legislator</h2><div type="image" title="Rep. Halsey Beshears, R-Monticello, Tuesday April 4, 2017 reacts on the floor of the House at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)" height="1571" width="3143" msid="88981865" hostid="261"></div>Beshears began serving in the Florida State Legislature in 2012. He worked as the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation secretary from 2019 until his resignation last January 2021 because of <a href="https://www.floridadaily.com/dbpr-secretary-halsey-beshears-resigns-due-to-health-reasons/">health reasons.</a> Politico <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/13/gaetz-bahamas-investigation-481273">reported</a> that Beshears was on the plane heading to the Bahamas from Florida with Gaetz and several others in 2018.<h2>Jason Pirozzolo, a Republican donor and marijuana entrepreneur </h2>Pirozzolo is a Florida-based hand surgeon. He also donated to Republican political campaigns.Pirozzolo <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/federal-investigation-into-gaetz-looking-whether-illegally-influenced-cannabis-legislation-2021-4">traveled with Gaetz to the Bahamas in 2018</a>, and CNN reported that federal officials are investigating whether the surgeon tried to improperly get Gaetz to push for pro-cannabis legislation.Sources also <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/matt-gaetz-bahamas-trip-federal-probe-sex-trafficking/">told CBS News</a> that Pirozzolo paid for travel expenses, hotel accommodations, and female escorts on the Bahamas trip. Gaetz has <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/13/gaetz-bahamas-investigation-481273">publicly denied</a> that he paid for sex and had a relationship with a minor.<h2>Savara Hastings, girlfriend of Jason Pirozzolo</h2>Hastings is an executive director at the American Medical Marijuana Physicians Association, according to her <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/savarahastings/">Linkedin profile</a>.She is also Pirozzolo's girlfriend and could be a person of interest for investigators as they probe whether Gaetz had an illegal sexual relationship with a minor.<h2>Joe Ellicott, an associate of Greenberg</h2>Ellicott is a close associate of Greenberg who has now pleaded guilty to several charges, including sex trafficking. The Daily Beast <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/these-text-messages-led-the-feds-to-matt-gaetz">reported</a> that Ellicott and Greenberg exchanges messages using the encrypted messaging app Signal, in which Ellicott disclosed that a woman they both were associated with "knew [the minor] was underage the whole time, had sex with her, and they both went to see other guys."<h2>Venmo and Cash App experts who could testify on payment transactions </h2>If Gaetz is formally charged and the case goes to trial, Venmo and CashApp experts could be asked to testify before a jury, said Renato Mariotti, a former federal prosecutor.Gaetz allegedly sent <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/gaetz-paid-accused-sex-trafficker-who-then-venmod-teen">two financial payments</a> through Venmo to Greenberg in 2018 that totaled $900, according to The Daily Beast. The outlet said that Greenberg then wired three financial payments to three different women through the same phone application that totaled the same amount.Among other things, prosecutors may ask these experts to describe how to make a financial transaction through the applications."In court, you can't just assume that everyone knows what these things mean," Mariotti told Insider.<h2>Unnamed woman Gaetz is suspected of having had sex with when she was a minor </h2>Gaetz's alleged relationship with this woman is at the center of the sex-trafficking investigation. In addition to examining if Gaetz had sex with the girl in 2019, when she was 17 years old and a minor, investigators are also looking into whether the Florida congressman paid for her to travel with him across state lines.If so, this could be a violation of the <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/mann_act#:~:text=The%20Mann%20Act%20(also%20known,for%20any%20other%20immoral%20purpose.%E2%80%9D">Mann Act</a>, which prohibits the transportation of "any woman or girl for the purpose of prostitution or debauchery, or for any other immoral purpose" across state lines.<h2>Democratic Rep. Darren Soto of Florida</h2><div type="image" title="Rep. Darren Soto" height="511" width="1023" msid="88981867" hostid="261"></div>Soto is a Democratic lawmaker representing Florida's 9th congressional district in the US House of Representatives.He was also the boss to a former Capitol Hill intern who was in an open relationship with Gaetz in 2017 and 2018, reportedly witnessed some of the events that are under prosecutorial scrutiny, and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/matt-gaetz-ex-girlfriend-testified-grand-jury-sex-trafficking-investigation-2022-1">testified to a federal grand jury</a> last week.<h2>Roger Handberg, interim US Attorney for the Middle District of Florida</h2>Handberg is the federal prosecutor who is spearheading Greenberg's case. Greenberg's sentencing hearing is <a href="https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2021/10/18/judge-agrees-to-second-delay-in-joel-greenberg-sentencing/">scheduled for March</a>.Last month, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Handberg to be the interim US Attorney for the Middle District of Florida.<h2>Gregory Presnell, judge at the US District Court for the Middle District of Florida</h2>Presnell is presiding over the Greenberg case. He was appointed to his role in 2000 by then-President Bill Clinton.The <a href="https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2006-11-19-omap19-story.html">Orlando Sentinel</a> described Presnell as being a "a fourth-generation Floridian who grew up in St. Petersburg."He graduated from the University of Florida law school with high honors in 1966, according to the outlet.

The legal firestorm around Rep. Matt Gaetz is heating up. Here are 13 key people to watch.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A new report from CBS News claims that federal investigators are looking into trips that Rep. <keyword id="4142242" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="matt-gaetz">Matt Gaetz</keyword> took to the Bahamas.</li><li>Gaetz is under investigation for violating federal sex trafficking laws.</li><li>Investigators are allegedly looking at whether Gaetz trafficked escorts across international lines.</li></ul>The Justice Department investigation into whether Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz broke federal sex trafficking laws is reportedly zeroing in on a series of trips Gaetz took to the Bahamas in 2018 and 2019 with a marijuana entrepreneur, <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/matt-gaetz-trip-to-bahamas-is-part-of-federal-probe-into-sex-trafficking-sources-say/">according to CBS News.</a>Sources who spoke with CBS News said that Gaetz was joined by weed businessman and hand surgeon Jason Pirozzolo on his trips to the Bahamas, and that Pirozzolo paid for flights, hotels, and female escorts.Investigators are reportedly looking at whether women were trafficked across state and international lines during those trips with Gaetz.In a statement to CBS News, Gaetz's office said: "Rep. Gaetz has never paid for sex, nor has he had sex with an underage girl. What began with blaring headlines about 'sex trafficking' has now turned into a general fishing exercise about vacations and consensual relationships with adults. Yesterday, we even learned of some nonsense 'pardon' story that turned out to be false, and today it's just more euphemism. It's interesting to watch the Washington wheels grinding so hard every time one of their falsehoods gets knocked down."Insider reached out to Gaetz's office for comment.This story is developing. Check back for updates.

The federal sex trafficking probe into Rep. Matt Gaetz is looking at trips he took to the Bahamas, CBS News says

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="4142242" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="matt-gaetz">Matt Gaetz</keyword>'s associate <keyword id="2879657" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Joel-Greenberg">Joel Greenberg</keyword> will likely accept a plea deal, his lawyers said Thursday.</li><li>Gaetz and Greenberg are the focus of a wide-ranging federal sex crimes investigation.</li><li>"I am sure Matt Gaetz is not feeling very comfortable today," Greenberg's lawyer told reporters.</li></ul>Joel Greenberg, an indicted former Florida tax collector, will likely accept a plea deal, his lawyers told a judge on Thursday.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">-Hugo Lowell (@hugolowell) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1380208813479976961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2021</a></blockquote>"We believe this case will be a plea," Roger Handberg, one of the federal prosecutors working on the case, told the court.Gaetz and Greenberg are at the center of a broad Justice Department sex-crimes investigation. Greenberg has been indicted on 33 counts, including one charging him with carrying out the sex trafficking of a minor between the ages of 14 and 17.Gaetz has not been charged as part of the investigation, but investigators are said to be examining whether he had sex with a minor in 2019 - the same girl involved in the sex-trafficking count against Greenberg - and if he violated federal sex-trafficking laws.The Florida Republican has denied the allegations against him and claims the investigation into him is part of an elaborate scheme to extort his family.Greenberg's lawyer, meanwhile, told reporters on Thursday after the court hearing that his client's knowledge could put Gaetz in hot water."I am sure Matt Gaetz is not feeling very comfortable today," he said.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">-Paula Reid (@PaulaReidCNN) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1380216447432077312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2021</a></blockquote>These are some of the key threads in the Gaetz probe:<ul><li>Investigators are also said to be examining whether Gaetz <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/doj-investigating-if-matt-gaetz-misused-campaign-funds-for-travel-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">used campaign money to fund travel and other expenses</a> for women.</li><li>The New York Times <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/matt-gaetz-investigation-looking-into-cash-paid-directly-women-nyt-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that the inquiry is focusing on Gaetz and Greenberg's interactions with "multiple women who were recruited online for sex and received cash payments."</li><li>One person familiar with the conversations told The Times that Gaetz told the women to say that he paid for dinners and hotel rooms as part of their dates if anyone asked about the nature of their relationships.</li><li>People familiar with the encounters told The Times that some of the men and women, including Gaetz, took MDMA before having sex, and that in some cases the Florida lawmaker asked the women to find others who may want to have sex with him and his friends.</li><li>ABC <keyword id="6355005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news">News</keyword> <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/feds-florida-investigation-rep-gaetz-sources/story?id=76796794&amp;cid=social_twitter_abcnabcn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that the sex probe is focusing not just on Gaetz's conduct in his home state of Florida but in other states as well.</li><li>CBS News <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/matt-gaetz-bahamas-trip-federal-probe-sex-trafficking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that investigators are looking into a trip Gaetz took to the Bahamas in late 2018 or early 2019 with a hand surgeon and marijuana entrepreneur named Jason Pirozzolo. Sources told the news outlet that Pirozzolo footed the bill for travel expenses, hotel accommodations, and female escorts on the alleged trip, and that investigators are examining whether the women were trafficked illegally across state lines to have sex with Gaetz.</li></ul>

Matt Gaetz's associate Joel Greenberg will likely accept a plea deal, his lawyers told a judge

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A lawyer for <keyword id="4142242" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="matt-gaetz">Matt Gaetz</keyword>'s associate Joel Greenberg spoke out Thursday after it surfaced that Greenberg may strike a plea deal.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gaetz-associate-joel-greenberg-will-likely-take-plea-deal-attorneys-2021-4"></a></li><li>Greenberg's lawyer said Gaetz is likely "not feeling very comfortable" in light of the <keyword id="6355005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news">news</keyword>.</li><li>The two men are at the center of a federal sex-trafficking investigation by the Justice Department.</li></ul>A lawyer for the former Florida tax collector Joel Greenberg spoke to reporters Thursday after it surfaced that Greenberg may be close to accepting a plea deal as part of a broad Justice Department investigation into sex-trafficking.Greenberg and Gaetz are at the center of the inquiry, and Greenberg has so far been charged with 33 counts. Gaetz has not been charged, but The New York Times reported last month that he is also a target of the investigation, and that investigators are focusing on whether he had sex with a minor and violated federal sex-trafficking laws.Greenberg's lawyers and federal prosecutors told a judge on Thursday that he will likely accept a plea deal. Speaking to reporters afterward, Greenberg's lawyer, Fritz Scheller, said, "I'm sure Matt Gaetz is not feeling very comfortable today."Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and claims the department's investigation into him is part of an elaborate and convoluted scheme to extort his family. Both Gaetz and his father have said the FBI is investigating the alleged scheme, and the younger Gaetz showed emails to Politico that appear to confirm their claims.That said, the Justice Department's inquiry into Gaetz began late last summer and had been well underway for months before Gaetz became aware of the alleged extortion plot. That doesn't necessarily mean his claims are untrue, but it does mean the department's investigation was not launched as part of any such scheme.These are some of the key threads in the Gaetz probe:<ul><li>Investigators are also said to be examining whether Gaetz <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/doj-investigating-if-matt-gaetz-misused-campaign-funds-for-travel-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">used campaign money to fund travel and other expenses</a> for women.</li><li>The New York Times <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/matt-gaetz-investigation-looking-into-cash-paid-directly-women-nyt-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that the inquiry is focusing on Gaetz and Greenberg's interactions with "multiple women who were recruited online for sex and received cash payments."</li><li>One person familiar with the conversations told The Times that Gaetz told the women to say that he paid for dinners and hotel rooms as part of their dates if anyone asked about the nature of their relationships.</li><li>People familiar with the encounters told The Times that some of the men and women, including Gaetz, took MDMA before having sex, and that in some cases the Florida lawmaker asked the women to find others who may want to have sex with him and his friends.</li><li>ABC News <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/feds-florida-investigation-rep-gaetz-sources/story?id=76796794&amp;cid=social_twitter_abcnabcn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that the sex probe is focusing not just on Gaetz's conduct in his home state of Florida but in other states as well.</li><li>CBS News <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/matt-gaetz-bahamas-trip-federal-probe-sex-trafficking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that investigators are looking into a trip Gaetz took to the Bahamas in late 2018 or early 2019 with a hand surgeon and marijuana entrepreneur named Jason Pirozzolo. Sources told the news outlet that Pirozzolo footed the bill for travel expenses, hotel accommodations, and female escorts on the alleged trip, and that investigators are examining whether the women were trafficked illegally across state lines to have sex with Gaetz.</li></ul>

Lawyer for Gaetz associate who will likely strike a plea deal: 'I am sure Matt Gaetz is not feeling very comfortable today'

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Federal investigators are looking into whether <keyword id="4142242" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="matt-gaetz">Matt Gaetz</keyword> was illegally influenced to support loosening cannabis regulations, CNN reported.</li><li>They're specifically probing whether a 2018 Bahamas trip he took with several women was part of the illicit effort.</li><li>The focus is part of a broader inquiry into whether Gaetz broke federal sex-trafficking laws.</li></ul>Federal investigators are looking into whether a 2018 trip Rep. Matt Gaetz took to the Bahamas with several women was part of an illegal effort to influence his platform on cannabis regulations, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/23/politics/gaetz-probe-public-corruption-medical-marijuana/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN reported</a>. Specifically, the report said, the feds are investigating if Jason Pirozzolo, a hand surgeon and cannabis entrepreneur who went on the trip with Gaetz, tried to improperly get Gaetz to push for pro-cannabis legislation.CBS News <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/matt-gaetz-bahamas-trip-federal-probe-sex-trafficking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first reported</a> on the Justice Department's scrutiny of the Bahamas trip, and sources told the news outlet that Pirozzolo footed the bill for travel expenses, hotel accommodations, and female escorts on the alleged trip, and that investigators are examining whether the women were trafficked illegally across state lines to have sex with Gaetz.The Justice Department has been investigating since last year over whether he violated federal sex trafficking laws and engaged in a sexual relationship with a minor. The investigation into him stems from a broader inquiry into the former <keyword id="6357385" type="LOCATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="florida">Florida</keyword> tax collector Joel Greenberg, a close associate of Gaetz's who was indicted on 33 felony counts, including carrying out the sex trafficking of a minor between the ages of 14 and 17. Greenberg previously pleaded not guilty.Both Gaetz and his father have confirmed the existence of the investigation. Greenberg, meanwhile, appears to be close to striking a plea deal with prosecutors, and The New York Times reported that he's been cooperating with investigators since last year.<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/13/gaetz-bahamas-investigation-481273">Politico reported</a> that the feds also obtained a search warrant and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/matt-gaetz-iphone-seized-fbi-sex-trafficking-probe-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">seized Gaetz's iPhone in December</a>. The report said Gaetz changed his phone number last year and that investigators also seized his former girlfriend's phone in November.Gaetz has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct and wrongdoing, and his office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Last week, CNN reported that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gaetz-attended-parties-drugs-sex-sometimes-paid-women-report-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gaetz was a fixture at parties</a> that frequently involved drug use and sex and after which money sometimes changed hands.Two women who attended several of the parties told the news outlet that they took place in Florida and often featured men who were active in local Republican <keyword id="6358883" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="politics">politics</keyword>. The first thing some women were told to do was put their phones away because the men didn't want the parties to be documented on social media or in photos.Partygoers would share drugs like ecstasy and cocaine, and "some had sex," the report said, adding that after some of the parties money was sent to some attendees. CNN said it had viewed digital receipts showing that Gaetz and Greenberg used payment apps "to send hundreds of dollars to at least one woman who attended the parties."The payments were said to have been made between 2018 and 2019, and a label for at least one of them said it was for travel expenses.

The DOJ is reportedly investigating if Matt Gaetz was illegally influenced to push pro-cannabis legislation

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Rep. <keyword id="4142242" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="matt-gaetz">Matt Gaetz</keyword> is the focus of a wide-ranging federal sex crimes investigation.</li><li>Gaetz claims the investigation is part of an elaborate scheme to extort his family for $25 million.</li><li>Both things could be true: Gaetz is under investigation, and someone later tried to extort him.</li></ul>Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz <a href="https://twitter.com/mattgaetz/status/1375094924882874375" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> on March 25 that if he was ever the subject of a scandal, he wanted it to be called "<keyword id="11032089" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="gaetzgate">Gaetzgate</keyword>."Less than a week later, the lawmaker got his wish.It started with a bombshell New York Times story about a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/justice-department-investigating-matt-gaetz-sexual-relationship-17-year-old-2021-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">federal sex crimes investigation into Gaetz</a>, which is said to be examining whether he had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old and violated sex-trafficking laws. Gaetz has not been charged in connection to the investigation.But the saga has since morphed to include details of an <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gaetz-tweets-response-doj-investigation-sex-trafficking-criminal-extortion-2021-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">alleged multimillion dollar extortion scheme</a> Gaetz says was carried out by two former government officials who found out about the sex probe and tried to shake his family down.Here's what you need to know about "Gaetzgate," beginning with the cast of characters:<ul><li>Matt Gaetz: a Republican lawmaker who was elected in 2016 to represent Florida's 1st Congressional District. He's made headlines for his unwavering loyalty to former President Donald Trump and his public crusades against "cancel culture" and Big Tech.</li><li>Don Gaetz: Gaetz's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/matt-gaetz-father-confirms-statements-fbi-extortion-probe-report-2021-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">father</a>, who used to be the president of the Florida state Senate and is now a private citizen.</li><li>Joel Greenberg: a Gaetz associate and former Seminole County, Florida tax collector who was <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gaetz-investigation-linked-florida-ally-indicted-child-sex-trafficking-charges-2021-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">indicted last year</a> on 14 felony counts, including carrying out the sex trafficking of a minor. He's been charged with a total of 33 counts from four indictments. Greenberg pleaded not guilty to the charges and his trial is set to start in June.</li><li>David McGee: a former Justice Department prosecutor who left the department more than two decades ago and now works at the Florida-based law firm Beggs &amp; Lane.</li><li>Bob Kent: a former Air Force intelligence officer who left the government in 2007. His LinkedIn says he is now a "research consultant" who does business in the Middle East. </li><li>Stephen Alford: a convicted fraudster and developer based in Destin, Florida who was <a href="https://ssrnews.com/alleged-gaetz-extortion-co-conspirator-served-10-years-in-prison-for-fraud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">arrested in 2015</a> on state felony charges including extortion, fraud, and grand theft auto. At the time, Alford had been recently released from prison after serving a 10-year sentence related to a separate fraud scheme.</li><li>Robert Levinson: a former DEA and <keyword id="6355946" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="fbi">FBI</keyword> agent who disappeared in Iran in 2007 while he was on a CIA mission. In 2017, he became the longest-held American hostage in history. His family <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-says-he-wont-accept-that-ex-fbi-agent-robert-levinson-died-in-iran-despite-familys-statement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">declared him dead last year</a>, though the exact date of his death is unknown.</li></ul><h2>The sex-trafficking probe</h2>The Justice Department began its sex crimes investigation into Gaetz last summer and has several threads.<ul><li>In addition to looking into whether Gaetz had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old in 2019, investigators are examining if he paid for her to travel with him and broke federal sex-trafficking laws by doing so.</li><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/01/us/politics/matt-gaetz-justice-department.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to The Times</a>, the 17-year-old at the heart of the Gaetz probe is the same girl who was involved in a felony sex-trafficking count against Greenberg.</li><li>Investigators are also said to be examining whether Gaetz <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/doj-investigating-if-matt-gaetz-misused-campaign-funds-for-travel-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">used campaign money to fund travel and other expenses</a> for women.</li><li>The Times <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/matt-gaetz-investigation-looking-into-cash-paid-directly-women-nyt-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that the inquiry is focusing on Gaetz and Greenberg's interactions with "multiple women who were recruited online for sex and received cash payments."</li><li>One person familiar with the conversations told The Times that Gaetz told the women to say that he paid for dinners and hotel rooms as part of their dates if anyone asked about the nature of their relationships.</li><li>People familiar with the encounters told The Times that some of the men and women, including Gaetz, took MDMA before having sex, and that in some cases the Florida lawmaker asked the women to find others who may want to have sex with him and his friends.</li><li>ABC <keyword id="6355005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news">News</keyword> <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/feds-florida-investigation-rep-gaetz-sources/story?id=76796794&amp;cid=social_twitter_abcnabcn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that the sex probe is focusing not just on Gaetz's conduct in his home state of Florida but in other states as well.</li><li>CBS News <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/matt-gaetz-bahamas-trip-federal-probe-sex-trafficking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that investigators are looking into a trip Gaetz took to the Bahamas in late 2018 or early 2019 with a hand surgeon and marijuana entrepreneur named Jason Pirozzolo. Sources told the news outlet that Pirozzolo footed the bill for travel expenses, hotel accommodations, and female escorts on the alleged trip, and that investigators are examining whether the women were trafficked illegally across state lines to have sex with Gaetz.</li></ul>Both Gaetz and his father have confirmed the existence of the investigation.The Times said prosecutors began scrutinizing Gaetz as part of their broader investigation into Greenberg. Gaetz and Greenberg have been photographed together at past political events, including at the White House in 2019, as <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gaetz-investigation-linked-florida-ally-indicted-child-sex-trafficking-charges-2021-3">Insider's Azmi Haroun</a> reported. Greenberg also posted a <a href="https://twitter.com/JoelGreenbergTC/status/883868335955480576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E883868335955480576%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.businessinsider.com%2Fgaetz-investigation-linked-florida-ally-indicted-child-sex-trafficking-charges-2021-321-3">selfie</a> in 2017 of himself and Gaetz with the longtime Republican operative Roger Stone.It's unclear how prosecutors connected the dots from Greenberg to Gaetz, but law enforcement veterans believe it's because Greenberg may have flipped."Looks like Greenberg has been talking about his friend the Congressman," Jeffrey Cramer, a longtime former federal prosecutor, told Insider in a text message.The Gaetz investigation was launched under the Trump administration, when Attorney General Bill Barr was spearheading the Justice Department. Barr and several senior Trump appointees at the department were briefed on the inquiry and deemed it important enough to continue and keep under wraps, according to The Times. Politico also reported that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bill-barr-avoided-matt-gaetz-doj-sex-trafficking-investigation-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barr actively avoided being seen with Gaetz</a> in public while the probe was being conducted.Gaetz has denied the allegations against him, calling them "horrible" and adding that while he was "generous" with women he previously dated, he's "absolutely" confident none of them were underage.<h2>Alleged extortion plot</h2>In addition to denying the allegations, Gaetz went on a media and Twitter blitz claiming that he and his family were victims of an alleged extortion scheme spearheaded by McGee, the former Justice Department prosecutor, who he said was trying to extort him for $25 million and was "threatening to smear my name."The Florida Republican told Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson - in an interview that Carlson <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/watch-tucker-carlson-matt-gaetz-interview-doj-sex-trafficking-video-2021-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">later said</a> was "one of the weirdest interviews I've ever conducted" - that the sex crimes investigation was in fact part of an "organized criminal extortion" against him and that The Times story was a "planted leak."He also at one point appeared to suggest that Carlson may be a character witness, to which the host replied, "I don't remember the woman you're speaking of or the context at all, honestly."<div type="image" title="tucker carlson matt gaetz" height="1362" width="2726" msid="81858932" hostid="261"></div>Gaetz told Carlson that he became aware of the extortion scheme on March 16, when someone texted his father, Don, "demanding a meeting wherein a person demanded $25 million in exchange for making horrible sex trafficking allegations against me go away."He then revealed the existence of an ongoing FBI investigation into the alleged plot, a highly unusual move that former prosecutors <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gaetz-media-blitz-about-doj-underage-sex-probe-could-backfire-2021-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told Insider</a> may backfire on Gaetz down the road. He said his family had been working with the FBI in its investigation of the suspected extortion scheme and that his father had worn a wire as part of the probe."Our family was so troubled by that, we went to the local FBI, and the FBI and the Department of Justice were so concerned about this attempted extortion of a member of Congress that they asked my dad to wear a wire, which he did with the former Department of Justice official," Gaetz said, referring to McGee.He added that the bureau was in possession of audio recordings that would prove his innocence and demanded that they be released.On Wednesday, Don Gaetz gave an interview to Politico backing up the details of the FBI investigation that his son had revealed the previous day. The elder Gaetz confirmed that he wore a wire more than once, including to an earlier meeting with McGee, and he said he was set to meet with Alford, the convicted fraudster and Destin developer whom the Gaetzes claim is a co-conspirator in the extortion scheme, on Wednesday.McGee slammed Matt Gaetz's allegation as "totally false" and a "blatant attempt to distract from the fact that he's under investigation for sex trafficking of minors." "I have no connection with that case at all, other than, one of a thousand people who have heard the rumors." McGee's law firm also issued a statement saying Gaetz's allegation was "false and defamatory."<h2>A dubious document claims Biden will pardon Gaetz and the <keyword id="203774" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="DOJ">DOJ</keyword> case will end for $25 million</h2>People familiar with the matter provided additional text messages, emails, and documents to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/matt-gaetz-investigation-robert-levinson/2021/03/31/ebe2a9ba-923e-11eb-9668-89be11273c09_story.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Washington Post</a> and <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/documents-full-matt-gaetz-extortion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Washington Examiner</a>, which shed more light on the suspected extortion scheme.Sources told The Post that amid the sex-trafficking inquiry into Gaetz, two men contacted his father with an opportunity to help his son's legal issues go away in exchange for "a huge sum of money" that would be used in efforts to rescue Levinson from Iran. It's an unlikely gambit given that Levinson has been missing for 14 years and is presumed dead, though <a href="https://www.spytalk.co/p/gaetz-extortion-figures-levinson" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kent believes he's still alive</a> and that the US government hasn't worked hard enough to secure his release.According to texts <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/documents-full-matt-gaetz-extortion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">published by The Washington Examiner</a>, Kent made the initial overture to Don Gaetz, saying he wanted to talk "immediately about the current federal investigation, and the indictment that is about to be filed against your son.""I have a plan that can make his future legal and political problems go away," the text said. <a href="https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2021/03/matt-gaetz-gets-a-scandal-as-wild-as-him.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to New York Magazine</a>, Kent and Don Gaetz met the next day, and Kent gave him a document, titled "Project Homecoming," which said the FBI was in possession of "compromising pictures" of Matt Gaetz engaging in a "sexual orgy with underaged prostitutes."The document further claimed that "at least one underage female" had testified against Gaetz to a Florida grand jury and that others "facing serious criminal allegations themselves" had agreed to testify against Gaetz at future proceedings. None of these details have been confirmed by a reputable news source, and Kent did not respond to multiple requests for comment from media outlets.But the document went on to say that in exchange for $25 million to secure Levinson's release, "the team" behind this effort would either ensure that the Justice Department shut down any investigations into Matt Gaetz, or that he got a presidential pardon. It's not clear how any of this would work, and there is no evidence that President Joe Biden, the White House, or the Justice Department have agreed to these terms or are even aware of the effort.Around the same time, according to New York Magazine, Don Gaetz's lawyer, Jeffrey Neiman, sent an email to an assistant US attorney in the Northern District of Florida confirming the family's cooperation with the FBI in its investigation into the extortion attempt.Matt Gaetz showed the email correspondence, dated March 25, to Politico on Wednesday."I can confirm that your client is working with my office as well as the FBI at the government's request in order to determine if a federal crime has been committed," the prosecutor, David Goldberg, wrote to Neiman, according to Politico. "This has been discussed with, and approved by, the FBI as well as leadership in my office and components of main justice.""The government thanks you for working cooperatively with the FBI," the email said.<h2>The takeaway</h2>Gaetz claimed this week that the sex crimes investigation into him is part of a political fishing expedition because he's an "outspoken conservative." But the investigation <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/matt-gaetz-claim-doj-extortion-scheme-doesnt-add-up-2021-3">was launched</a> when Trump was president and Barr, a staunch Trump loyalist with strong conservative credentials, greenlit the inquiry.The timeline is also crucial: the sex-trafficking investigation into Matt Gaetz had been underway for more than six months by the time Don Gaetz was contacted as part of the alleged extortion plot.This doesn't necessarily mean Gaetz's claims of an extortion scheme are untrue, but it does indicate the department's probe was not opened as a result of any such scheme.In other words, "one can be guilty of a crime and still be shaken down to, theoretically, make the investigation go away," Cramer said.

A GOP congressman, a sex-trafficking probe, and a $25 million extortion plot: Here's everything we know about 'Gaetzgate'

Good morning! <a href="http://newsletter.businessinsider.com/join/10-things-in-politics">If this was forwarded to you, sign up here.</a> I'm Brent Griffiths. Send tips to <a href="mailto:bgriffiths@insider.com">bgriffiths@insider.com</a> or tweet me <a href="https://twitter.com/BrentGriffiths">@BrentGriffiths</a>.Here's what we're talking about today:<ul><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-corporate-tax-hike-infrastructure-big-companies-average-americans-2021-4">Biden says he's open to negotiating on how to pay for his $2 trillion jobs plan</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/millions-johnson-and-johnson-vaccine-doses-need-contamination-check-nyt-2021-4">62 million doses of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine need to be checked for contamination</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-unveiled-6-executive-actions-to-curb-gun-violence-2021-4">The White House will unveil six steps on gun control later today</a></li></ul>With Jordan Erb.<hr />1. WILL BIDEN MAKE A DEAL?: President Joe Biden says <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-corporate-tax-hike-infrastructure-big-companies-average-americans-2021-4">he's willing to cut a deal on parts of his infrastructure plan</a>. He said he could accept a lower corporate tax rate than the 28% he proposed to help pay for his $2 trillion jobs over 15 years. But Biden also offered a resounding defense of both the scope of his plan and the idea that companies are not paying their fair share.<ul><li>Key quote: "We're going to - we're going to try to put an end to this. Not fleece them - 28%. If you're a mom, a dad, a cop, firefighter, police officer, et cetera, you're paying close to that in your income tax," Biden said at an event outlining his plan.</li></ul>The gap between the two parties seems difficult to bridge: Republicans have slammed the proposal for <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcconnell-says-gop-wont-support-infrastructure-plan-2021-4">stretching the definition of infrastructure</a>. They have also zeroed in on paying for it with <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2021/04/01/tax-hikes-biden-infrastructure/">one of the largest tax increases in decades</a>, not to mention that raising the corporate rate would undo part of the signature tax law enacted by former President Trump and the GOP.<ul><li>Biden may not have a choice: Without Republican support, Democrats could not lose a single vote in the Senate and currently could stomach <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/pelosi-house-majority-infrastructure/2021/04/07/be7e74ea-9707-11eb-b28d-bfa7bb5cb2a5_story.html?itid=hp-top-table-main">only two dissenters in the House</a>. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/joe-manchin-reconciliation-infrastructure-torpedo-congress-attempts-bypass-republicans-2021-4">latest broadside against the special legislative procedure of reconciliation</a>, which lets Democrats pass bills despite GOP objections, further complicates the outlook.</li></ul><hr />2. Biden to take first steps on gun control: He plans to announce tighter regulations for buyers of so-called "ghost guns" by requiring them to undergo background checks. The White House is also instructing the Justice Department to draft model "red flag" legislation for states, an area that has received bipartisan support. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-unveiled-6-executive-actions-to-curb-gun-violence-2021-4">More on his six orders that will be announced later today.</a><ul><li>Gun control advocates have pushed Biden for more: The president built a bond with the families of those gunned down in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Biden was tasked with helping pass legislation in the wake of the tragedy while vice president, but a proposal to expand background checks narrowly failed in the Senate. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-gun-reform-law-background-checks-sandy-hook-nra-2021-3">Many activists see this as his second chance.</a></li></ul><hr />3. 62 million doses of Johnson &amp; Johnson's vaccine need to be checked for contamination: The doses come from a Baltimore factory that already had to throw out up to 15 million doses due to contamination issues, The New York Times reports. The issue could affect Johnson &amp; Johnson's promise to produce 24 million doses by the end of the month. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/millions-johnson-and-johnson-vaccine-doses-need-contamination-check-nyt-2021-4">More on the situation here.</a><hr /><div type="image" title="GettyImages 1231492636" height="3034" width="4046" msid="81967547" hostid="261"></div>4. Jill Biden is only the third first lady to be a union member: Her membership in the National Education Association is a distinction that's not only historic but fully in line with the administration's pro-union stance. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/jill-biden-union-member-teacher-why-it-matters-first-lady-2021-4">More on what it means for Biden to follow in Eleanor Roosevelt and Nancy Reagan's footsteps.</a><hr />5. Expert says Derek Chauvin was inflicting further pain on George Floyd: Jody Stiger, an LAPD sergeant and use-of-force expert, said Chauvin had most of his body weight on Floyd for 9 minutes and 29 seconds. Stinger, a prosecution witness, also testified that Chauvin appeared to be gripping Floyd's hand as a way to inflict further pain after Floyd had stop resisting officers. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/04/07/derek-chauvin-trial-2/">More key moments from Day 8.</a><hr />6. Federal probe is reportedly looking at Rep. Matt Gaetz's travel to the Bahamas: The Justice Department is looking into trips the Florida Republican took in 2018 and 2019 with a marijuana entrepreneur, CBS News reports. The entrepreneur, Jason Pirozzolo, allegedly paid for the trip, accommodations, and female escorts. Gaetz's office continued to deny any illegal conduct. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/federal-probe-matt-gaetz-looking-trips-took-bahamas-cbs-news-2021-4">At issue is whether any women were illegally trafficked across state or international lines.</a><ul><li>Trump broke his silence on Gaetz's case: The former president said Gaetz "never asked" for a pardon, contradicting a Times report about Gaetz asking White House officials for blanket pardon for him and other members of Congress. Trump also noted that Gaetz <a href="http://businessinsider.com/trump-statement-matt-gaetz-pardon-denied-allegations-2021-4">"totally denied the accusations against him."</a></li></ul><hr /><div type="image" title="mitch mcconnell" height="3316" width="4422" msid="81967550" hostid="261"></div>7. Mitch McConnell retracted his demand that corporations stay out of <keyword id="6358883" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="politics">politics</keyword>: "I didn't say that very artfully yesterday," the Senate Minority Leader told reporters of his earlier comments. McConnell had chastised CEOs and companies that criticized Georgia's new voting law.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mitch-mcconnell-retracts-demand-that-corporations-stay-out-of-politics-2021-4"></a><ul><li>Speaking of corporations in politics: "Visa's political action committee has resumed its political giving after a much-publicized halt following the deadly January 6 attack on the US Capitol, donating $139,000 to members of Congress and other political committees on both sides of the aisle, federal records show." <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/visa-credit-card-political-donations-pac-capitol-attack-2021-4">More from Insider's scoop.</a></li></ul><hr />8. The top things for your calendar, all times Eastern:<ul><li>10:15 a.m.: Chauvin's trial resumes</li><li>11:45 a.m.: Biden, Vice President Harris, and Attorney General Garland make remarks on gun violence prevention </li><li>12:00 p.m.: Rep. Steve Scalise leads a group of fellow House Republicans on a trip to the border</li><li>12:30 p.m.: Jen Psaki holds the White House's daily news briefing </li></ul><hr />9. Mike Pence reportedly has a seven-figure book deal: The former vice president signed with Simon &amp; Schuster. The news comes amid questions on <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/07/politics/pence-book-deal-trump-administration/index.html">how the publishing industry will treat Trump alums</a>. Pence's book is<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mike-pence-to-publish-an-autobiography-in-2023-with-simon-and-schuster-2021-4"> due out in 2023</a>.<ul><li>Some administration veterans are struggling: Headhunters have struggled to find a new gig for former Transportation secretary Elaine Chao, The Washington Post reports. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/04/07/former-trump-cabinet-officials-corporate-seats/">Corporations don't seem to have an interest in other former top officials either. </a></li></ul><hr />10. Freedom fries walked so Woke Coke could run: Trump's call for a boycott of Coca-Cola is not the first time members of the GOP have deemed a food unpatriotic. In 2003, in the midst of Bush's war on terror, Republican Rep. Bob Ney renamed French fries "freedom Fries" in congressional cafeterias. <a href="https://www.insider.com/coca-cola-cancelling-gop-french-fries-freedom-fries-9-11-2021-4">A look at the history of the patriotic potatoes.</a><hr />One last thing.Today's trivia question: Yesterday was national beer day, so pardon me while I hop back for a related question. Who is thought to be the first president to brew beer at The White House?<ul><li>Yesterday's answer: President Eisenhower had a special cabin built for him and first lady Mamie Eisenhower at Augusta National. Ike was already a member of the club that hosts the Masters before becoming president. A special cottage was thought to be the best way to accommodate his new role. The best part? After leaving office, Eisenhower made a request to have a tree he kept hitting on the 17th hole removed. <a href="https://www.augusta.com/masters/story/news/2018-08-21/augusta-national-renovating-eisenhower-cabin">He was ruled out of order and the tree stood until 2014.</a></li></ul>

You Searched For "jason pirozzolo" and got 8 results

Video shows Trump meeting the man at the center of the Matt Gaetz sex-trafficking allegations

Thomas Colson

The legal firestorm around Rep. Matt Gaetz is heating up. Here are 13 key people to watch.

Camila DeChalus,Sonam Sheth

The federal sex trafficking probe into Rep. Matt Gaetz is looking at trips he took to the Bahamas, CBS News says

Azmi Haroun

Matt Gaetz's associate Joel Greenberg will likely accept a plea deal, his lawyers told a judge

Sonam Sheth

Lawyer for Gaetz associate who will likely strike a plea deal: 'I am sure Matt Gaetz is not feeling very comfortable today'

Kelly McLaughlin,Sonam Sheth

The DOJ is reportedly investigating if Matt Gaetz was illegally influenced to push pro-cannabis legislation

Azmi Haroun,Sonam Sheth

A GOP congressman, a sex-trafficking probe, and a $25 million extortion plot: Here's everything we know about 'Gaetzgate'

Sonam Sheth,Kelsey Vlamis

10 Things in Politics: Biden wants top companies to pay up

Brent D. Griffiths