Long List of Controversies Surrounding Trump Appointee Matt Gaetz

Gaetz, 42, is considered one of the most polarizing figures in Congress; He had faced allegations of misconduct, including displaying explicit photos of women in Parliament and being investigated for possible sex trafficking.

Former President Donald Trump stirred controversy on Wednesday when he announced that he had chosen Matt Gaetz to be the next attorney general. Gaetz, 42, is considered one of the most polarizing figures in Congress; He had faced allegations of misconduct, including displaying explicit photos of women in Parliament and being investigated for possible sex trafficking.

No vote against bill against human trafficking

Gaetz drew national attention in 2017, early in his tenure as a congressman, when he cast the lone “no” vote against an anti-human trafficking bill. He later explained in a Facebook Live video broadcast from his home that he opposed the bill, the Combating Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act, due to concerns about federal overreach. Gaetz said he supported the bill’s intent but feared it would expand government bureaucracy. Despite his statement, the negative response to his game resurfaced following allegations that he was involved in a sex trafficking investigation.

Matt Gaetz invites far-right provocateur

Gaetz caused trouble again in 2018 by inviting far-right internet provocateur Chuck Johnson to his State of the Union address. Johnson, who has been banned from Twitter and faces accusations that he supports white nationalism and Holocaust denial, was a controversial choice of guest, especially since some Florida lawmakers invited people directly affected by recent events. Gaetz reportedly justified the invitation by explaining that Johnson had visited his office that day. Johnson himself said he admired Gaetz’s courage.

Matt Gaetz’s controversial tweet

Gaetz’s high-profile defense of Trump continued in 2019; especially when he made a controversial Twitter post directed at Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, ahead of Cohen’s testimony before the House Oversight Committee. Gaetz’s tweet implied that Cohen’s wife and father-in-law may not have been aware of Cohen’s alleged infidelities, and many interpreted it as a veiled threat. Gaetz deleted the tweet after it was widely criticized, claiming it was an attempt at “witness testing” rather than intimidation. Although he was investigated by the Florida Bar, he was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.

In 2020, Gaetz revealed a personal connection that caught the public off guard during a heated exchange with then-Rep. Cedric Richmond. When Richmond questioned Gaetz’s understanding of the issues facing Black families, Gaetz explained that he had an adopted Cuban son named Nestor. Gaetz posted about Nestor on Twitter, describing him as “my son,” but it was later announced that Nestor was the son of an ex-girlfriend and had lived with Gaetz on and off for several years.

Alleged sex trafficking charges

In 2021, The New York Times reported that Gaetz was being investigated by the Department of Justice for sex trafficking allegations, including allegations that he paid a 17-year-old girl to travel across state lines for sexual encounters. Gaetz has denied the accusations, claiming he never traveled with a minor. Although Gaetz ultimately did not face any charges, his reputation was damaged. During the investigation, her friend Joel Greenberg, a former Florida tax collector, pleaded guilty to multiple sex-related charges. A confession letter from Greenberg alleged that Gaetz paid him to arrange sexual encounters with women and a 17-year-old girl, the Daily Beast reported. Private Venmo transactions between Gaetz and Greenberg were also revealed, increasing public scrutiny.

Matt Gaetz shows naked photos and videos of women to colleagues

Gaetz’s behavior on the House floor sparked further controversy, with a CNN report alleging he showed nude photos and videos of women to colleagues and aides. Among the sexually explicit content was a video of a naked woman wearing a hula hoop. Gaetz’s behavior led Speaker Paul Ryan’s staff to directly intervene in his conduct, CNN sources said. Gaetz has firmly denied these allegations, stating that the report was part of a coordinated extortion effort against him and his family.

Following his nomination as attorney general, House Speaker Mike Johnson informed reporters Wednesday evening that Gaetz would resign from Congress immediately, effectively ending the Ethics Committee’s investigation. News of Gaetz’s appointment reportedly caused an audible reaction of surprise among House Republicans who were meeting privately.

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