Matt Gaetz

Matt Gaetz, whose full name is Matthew Louis Gaetz II, is an American lawyer and politician who has played a significant role in both Florida and national politics. He was born in Hollywood, Florida, on May 7, 1982, and is the grandson of North Dakota politician Jerry Gaetz and the son of prominent Florida politician Don Gaetz. Gaetz was raised in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and attended Niceville High School before graduating from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science and the College of William & Mary Law School with a Juris Doctor.

Gaetz's political career started in the Florida House of Representatives, where he represented the 4th district of the state from 2010 to 2016. He became well-known nationwide during his term for his adamant support of Florida's "stand-your-ground" legislation. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016 and served as the representative for Florida's first congressional district until resigning in November 2024. Gaetz was well-known for his ultraconservative beliefs and steadfast backing of former President Donald Trump during his time in Congress. He was generally seen as a supporter of far-right politics and identified as a libertarian populist. Notably, by submitting a motion to vacate in October 2023, Gaetz was instrumental in Kevin McCarthy's removal from his position as Speaker of the House.

Numerous scandals and legal troubles have dogged Gaetz's career. He was accused of engaging in sexual encounters with minors and sex trafficking in 2020. The U.S. Department of Justice chose not to charge him after conducting an investigation. But the House Ethics Committee persisted in its inquiry, and in December 2024, it issued a report accusing Gaetz of taking illegal narcotics and paying for sex, including with a 17-year-old girl, while he was a member of Congress. Significant consequences resulted from these disclosures, including his removal from consideration for the U.S. Attorney General post, for which he had been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump. Gaetz revealed plans to begin a political talk show on One America News Network in January 2025 after resigning from Congress.

Gaetz has been a divisive personality throughout his career, drawing both passionate support and harsh criticism. He has become a prominent, albeit controversial, figure in American politics as a result of his steadfast support for Trump and his involvement in numerous scandals.