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Former Rep. Matt Gaetz shared a brief Cameo video on social media Tuesday, dropping hints about his future plans, which could pose challenges for Democrats and critics of President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
Newsmax host Bianca de la Garza discussed the future of Florida Republican with conservative activist Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union, during a segment this week. The two speculated on Gaetz’s next moves following his withdrawal from consideration after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him for U.S. attorney general.
“Matt Gaetz withdrew his name, Pam Bondi was selected. But Gaetz is having a little bit of fun on Cameo posting some videos here. I’ll play a little clip of this just in time for the holiday season. I guess it’s the holiday greeting we didn’t know we needed,” de la Garza said as she introduced the clip.
“What’s up Chris, this is Matt Gaetz,” the former GOP lawmaker said, appearing to address FBI Director Christopher Wray. “I know you’re bummed out I’m not going to be taking out the garbage at the Department of Justice, but don’t despair. We’ve got an awesome attorney general coming in, Pam Bondi, and you know what? They can stop one of us, but they can’t stop all of us.”
De la Garza responded: “All right, so he’s joking too. There’s some, you know, things about him maybe teasing a run for governor in Florida, being a special prosecutor a la Jack Smith. You don’t need Senate confirmation. Marco Rubio’s seat. So there’s a whole bunch of things. We know he’s not returning to Congress. What do you think Matt Gaetz’s future holds? Matt?”
“He’s one of the most talented politicians I’ve ever seen. He figured out a long time ago that Congress doesn’t really pass legislation anymore, and he realized it was about pushing what you care about,” Schlapp began. “And I will just say personally, for me, he’s been a wonderful friend for all of us who’ve been victims of lawfare.
“Matt Gaetz understands it personally, and his wife does as well. He’s he’s going to have a big future in the Republican Party and the conservative movement and the MAGA movement. Don’t worry to his enemies, he’s not going anywhere,” Schlapp continued.
“And I will say to him it I’m sure it was tough to have these liberal Republicans say they won’t vote for him in his confirmation to be attorney general, but I think I think he’s going to make them pay a little bit for that. So stay tuned. More to come,” he said.
WATCH:
On Thursday, House Republicans twice blocked the release of a potentially damaging report from the House Committee on Ethics regarding Gaetz, effectively burying allegations of sexual misconduct and drug abuse that had partially derailed his attempt to be confirmed as President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general.
In quick succession, the House voted along near party lines, with votes of 206-198 and 204-198, sending the matter back to the Ethics panel. Rep. Tom McClintock of California was the only Republican to break ranks, voting with Democrats to push for the public release of the scandal, the New York Post reported.
Reps. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) and Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) introduced competing measures on Tuesday as privileged resolutions, which necessitate a vote within two legislative days. Casten’s resolution called for the release of the report, while Cohen’s resolution demanded both the release and preservation of the documents.
“Resigning from Congress should not allow Members to avoid accountability for allegations as serious as those faced by Matt Gaetz. The Ethics Committee has often released reports on former Members,” Casten argued.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has opposed releasing the report.
“Someone who is no longer a member of Congress, we are not in the business of investigating and publishing a report of people who are not a part of this institution,” the speaker told reporters Friday. “The ethics committee’s jurisdiction is for sitting members of Congress.”
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