OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz posted a short Cameo video to social media on Tuesday during which he dropped some hints about his future plans, which could become a thorn in the side of Democrats and opponents of President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
Newline host Bianca de la Garza was discussing the Florida Republican’s future with conservative activist Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union, during a show segment this week in which the two of them also speculated about Gaetz’s future after he withdrew his name from consideration following Trump’s nomination to become 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.
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In an interview with Turning Point USA founder and conservative all-star Charlie Kirk earlier this week, the Florida Republican indicated that he planned to remain active politically.
“I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress. There are a number of fantastic Floridians who’ve stepped up to run for my seat, people who have inspired with their heroism, with their public service, and I’m actually excited to see northwest Florida go to new heights and have great representation,” Gaetz began.
“And don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. I’m not taking off for a tropical excursion for the rest of my life. I am here to help save this country. And one thing you know, the great patriots at ‘Turning Point’ know, we need people at every level,” he continued.
“We need brilliant lawyers on the outside. We need tough congressmen and congresswomen on the inside. We need a leadership structure under President Trump that’s going to allow for durability of our movement and — and the ability to continue this great realignment of our politics,” he said.
