How Matt Gaetz went from facing DOJ probes to potentially running the department

14 Nov 2024

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Matt Gaetz - Figure 1 — Photo The Independent

Donald Trump has revealed his intention to put forward the name of former Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz for the position of attorney general.

In a recent statement, the president-elect expressed admiration for Gaetz, 42, who has consistently stood up for Trump and spoken out against the various legal and congressional investigations targeting the Republican.

In a post on Wednesday, Trump praised Gaetz for his significant contributions on the House Judiciary Committee, which oversees the Department of Justice. He credited Gaetz for helping to dismantle the false narratives regarding Russia and for bringing to light serious issues of government corruption and misuse of power. Trump referred to Gaetz as a "Champion for the Constitution and the Rule of Law."

Gaetz has been the subject of several accusations regarding his conduct, including a federal investigation into sex trafficking that concluded without any charges being filed against him, as well as an ethics investigation by the House.

Here’s what you should be aware of regarding Gaetz, who was previously referred to as the "most Trump-like Congressman" in Washington:

"Who Is Matt Gaetz?"

Gaetz, who is a lawyer by profession, was voted into Congress in 2016 to represent the first district of Florida, following his earlier tenure in the Florida House of Representatives. He is the son of well-known Florida politician Don Gaetz.

On Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that Matt Gaetz stepped down from Congress following Trump's announcement of his attorney general pick. This move is intended to ensure that Republicans can swiftly fill the empty position if Gaetz is confirmed for a role in the administration.

Matt Gaetz studied at William & Mary Law School and is married to Ginger Gaetz. Ginger is the sister of tech entrepreneur Palmer Luckey, who founded the companies Oculus and Anduril and has financially supported Republican political initiatives.

Included in the family is Nestor Galban, the brother of Gaetz's former girlfriend, whom he has taken in and raised like his own son.

What Led To Matt Gaetz's Investigation?

Gaetz became involved in a federal investigation into sex trafficking that focused on a former colleague, Joel Greenberg. They were part of a circle of Florida Republicans reported to have attended parties where attendees used drugs and engaged in sexual activities with women who were compensated for their involvement.

Matt Gaetz - Figure 2 — Photo The Independent

In 2021, Greenberg admitted to committing several federal offenses, which included trafficking a minor for sexual purposes, stealing someone’s identity, stalking, fraud involving electronic communications, and conspiring to bribe a government official. As a result, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Gaetz has rejected any allegations of misconduct.

In 2023, the Department of Justice decided not to pursue any charges against the congressman from Florida.

Gaetz was under investigation by the House ethics committee, which involved speaking with witnesses from a federal investigation. These witnesses claimed they were at parties where Gaetz was supposedly seen with women who were allegedly compensated by Greenberg. One witness reportedly informed investigators this summer that Gaetz paid her for sex, a claim he refutes.

The Republican has rejected these allegations, stating that the investigation is rooted in "falsehoods designed only to tarnish my reputation."

Gaetz's departure from Congress will put a stop to the House ethics inquiry. Earlier this year, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy asserted that Gaetz played a key role in mounting a successful challenge to his leadership, aiming to hinder the ethics investigation.

In her memoir, Cassidy Hutchinson, who previously worked in the Trump administration, alleged that Matt Gaetz touched her inappropriately on two separate occasions and attempted to flirt with her while at Camp David.

Gaetz has refuted the accusations but stated that they were previously in a relationship, a claim that Hutchinson contests.

Matt Gaetz's Actions In Congress Explained

Gaetz was known for his loud and dramatic presence in Congress, aggressively criticizing both officials from the Biden administration and his Republican colleagues with the same intensity.

In 2019, Gaetz played a key role in a notable incident where a group of Republicans invaded a private hearing that was part of one of Trump’s impeachment processes.

In committee hearings, Gaetz frequently criticized witnesses. One notable instance was in April 2022 when he confronted Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, arguing that the military had become excessively “woke.”

Matt Gaetz - Figure 3 — Photo The Independent

He has also directed his criticism toward his own party and played a crucial role in the 2023 removal of Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

In the House of Representatives, Gaetz often spoke out against the investigations into the connections between the Trump campaign and Russia, which he labeled the "Russia Hoax."

What Could Matt Gaetz Achieve As Attorney General?

Even though Trump asserts that Gaetz will bring about a new non-partisan phase at the DOJ, the dedicated supporter of MAGA has often voiced his criticisms toward the prosecutors looking into Donald Trump and implied that they should be subjected to additional examination.

He has urged Fani Wallis, the Georgia official leading the prosecution against Donald Trump for trying to reverse the outcome of the state’s 2020 election, to resign and be subjected to an investigation. This call comes after it was disclosed that she had a relationship with someone on her legal team.

In Congress, Gaetz introduced legislation aimed at cutting off funding for the investigation led by Jack Smith, the special counsel handling the prosecution of Donald Trump for allegedly plotting to overturn the election results. Trump has stated that he would dismiss Smith within "two seconds" of assuming office.

Gaetz has indicated that he might pursue action against Hunter Biden, the son of Joe Biden, who is currently preparing for sentencing related to federal gun and tax offenses.

"In a 2023 interview, Gaetz mentioned that they could refer criminal cases to the Department of Justice. He expressed optimism about reclaiming the White House, suggesting that in the future, there could be an Attorney General like himself who would be committed to enforcing the law and ensuring accountability."

Matt Gaetz On January 6 And 2020 Election Results

Gaetz has backed several unfounded assertions regarding the 2020 election and the events of the Capitol riot on January 6.

The Florida Republican was one of the officials who voted to contest the certification of the election results. He has expressed that he still feels “proud” of the “valid points regarding election integrity” that he and his associates raised in early 2021, during the time when Trump was trying to hold onto power despite his loss in the presidential election.

Even two years later, Gaetz continued to assert that Trump was the rightful winner of the 2020 election, despite those assertions being consistently rejected in court.

Gaetz has also embraced baseless conspiracy theories regarding the events of January 6, suggesting that there was no actual insurrection and arguing that federal agents incited the disorder that took place at the Capitol.

The MAGA supporter is said to have requested pardons from Donald Trump in advance, covering his actions following the 2020 election as well as the case related to sex trafficking in Florida.

If Gaetz is chosen for the role of attorney general, it could significantly influence the numerous cases involving the January 6 rioters, which represent the largest federal prosecution in American history.