Former US consultant Matt Gaetz introduced on Thursday that he’s withdrawing his title from consideration for President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyer basic place, citing ongoing federal intercourse trafficking investigations that raised issues about his suitability for the position. Gaetz mentioned that his potential affirmation was turning into a distraction from the vital work of the Trump/Vance transition.
“I had glorious conferences with Senators yesterday. I respect their considerate suggestions – and the unimaginable assist of so many. Whereas the momentum was robust, it’s clear that my affirmation was unfairly turning into a distraction to the vital work of the Trump/Vance Transition. There isn’t any time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I will be withdrawing my title from consideration to function Legal professional Basic,” Gaetz posted on the social media platform X.
Nevertheless, this is not the primary time Gaetz has confronted controversy. From inviting an web troll to Trump‘s state of the union deal with to his clashes with White Home chief Kevin McCarthy, Gaetz has often made headlines. Listed here are a few of his most notable controversies:
When Matt invited an web troll to Trump’s state of the union deal with
Considered one of Gaetz’s early controversial moments got here in 2018 when he invited Charles C Johnson, a infamous web troll, to attend Trump’s first state of the union deal with. Gaetz defined to The Day by day Beast that the invitation occurred as a result of Johnson “confirmed up at my workplace.” Regardless of backlash, Gaetz defended Johnson—who had beforehand questioned the dying toll of 6 million Jews in the course of the Holocaust—telling Fox Enterprise that Johnson was “not a Holocaust denier” and “not a white supremacist.”
Backlash over private assault on Michael Cohen
On the eve of Michael Cohen‘s testimony earlier than the Home Oversight Committee in February 2019, Gaetz launched a pointy private assault on X.
“Do your spouse & father-in-law find out about your girlfriends? Perhaps tonight can be a very good time for that chat,” Gaetz tweeted. “I ponder if she’ll stay devoted once you’re in jail. She’s about to study quite a bit.”
The tweet sparked outrage amongst Home Democrats, prompting Gaetz to delete it and concern a uncommon apology.
“Whereas it is very important create context across the testimony of liars like Michael Cohen, it was NOT my intent to threaten, as some consider I did,” Gaetz wrote, referencing then-Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s criticism of his feedback. “I am deleting the tweet & I ought to have chosen phrases that higher confirmed my intent. I am sorry.”
Democrats known as for an ethics investigation into the incident. Whereas the Home Ethics Committee later cleared Gaetz of wrongdoing, it criticized him for conduct that didn’t “mirror creditably upon the Home of Representatives.” The Florida Bar, which additionally reviewed the matter, reached the same conclusion, clearing Gaetz whereas condemning his actions.
Intercourse-trafficking allegations in opposition to Gaetz
Within the remaining months of the Trump administration, the US justice division launched an investigation into sex-trafficking allegations involving Gaetz and a 17-year-old lady. The investigation, which lasted almost three years, sought to find out whether or not Gaetz had paid for the lady’s journey in violation of intercourse trafficking legal guidelines, amongst different allegations.
In response to Gaetz’s colleagues, the congressman had boasted about his sexual encounters and even confirmed off nude images of ladies.
Nevertheless, Gaetz denied all allegations of wrongdoing. His workplace mentioned in 2023 that prosecutors had knowledgeable him he wouldn’t face prices.
When Gaetz’s ‘Wingman’ was sentenced to 11 years
Joel Greenberg, a convicted fraudster who cooperated extensively with the justice division’s sex-trafficking investigation into Gaetz, was sentenced to 11 years in jail by a federal choose in Florida in 2022. Gaetz had referred to Greenberg, the previous Seminole County tax collector, as his “wingman.”
Greenberg had beforehand pleaded responsible to prices together with underage intercourse trafficking, wire fraud, stalking, identification theft, producing a faux ID, and conspiring to defraud the US authorities.
The revelations surrounding Greenberg sparked widespread media consideration, with journalists investigating Gaetz’s Venmo transactions with Greenberg and different reviews detailing his habits within the Florida Home, together with a declare a few “Harry Potter”-themed intercourse competitors.
When ethics committee launched an investigation
The Home Ethics Committee launched its investigation into Matt Gaetz’s sexual misconduct and different allegations in 2021. Whereas the investigation was initially placed on maintain on account of pending prices from the justice division, the committee resumed its inquiry in Could 2023.
The committee, identified for its discretion, publicly said it was wanting into whether or not Gaetz had been concerned in sexual misconduct, unlawful drug use, accepted improper items, or obstructed investigations.
In response to The New York Occasions, lawmakers have been able to vote on releasing their findings on Gaetz’s conduct. Nevertheless, earlier than they may proceed, the Florida Republican unexpectedly resigned. This got here shortly after Trump had chosen Gaetz as his nominee for lawyer basic.
Tense confrontation between Gaetz and McCarthy
Kevin McCarthy, then-Home minority chief, was anticipated to change into the subsequent Home speaker after Republicans regained management of the chamber within the 2022 midterms. Nevertheless, Gaetz and some different lawmakers had completely different intentions. Tensions peaked in January 2023 after the 14th vote failed, resulting in a confrontation the place consultant Mike Rogers of Alabama, chair of the Home Armed Providers Committee, needed to be bodily restrained after lunging at Gaetz. Gaetz’s continued opposition to McCarthy had been a serious impediment to McCarthy securing the speaker’s place. McCarthy finally received on the subsequent poll, and Rogers later apologised for his actions.
McCarthy in the end secured the speaker’s place, however Gaetz and a bunch of conservative lawmakers continued to carry vital leverage over him. Beneath Home guidelines, a single member may provoke the method to take away the speaker. In October 2023, Gaetz triggered this course of by submitting a movement to vacate, and with the assist of seven different Republicans and Home Democrats, McCarthy was ousted.
Gaetz claimed his push to take away McCarthy was pushed by coverage variations, however McCarthy has persistently argued that his elimination was private and motivated by revenge. McCarthy has additionally known as for Gaetz to be jailed.
The strain between McCarthy and Gaetz was additionally evident on the 2024 Republican Nationwide Conference when Gaetz interrupted McCarthy throughout a TV interview, prompting McCarthy’s workforce to escort him away. “What night time are you talking?” Gaetz requested, disrupting McCarthy’s dialog.
