Former US Representative Matt Getz announced Thursday that he was withdrawing his name from consideration for President-elect Donald Trump’s Attorney General PositionCiting ongoing federal Sex trafficking Investigations that raised concerns about his suitability for the role. Getz Said his potential confirmation was a distraction from the important work of the Trump/Vance transition.
“I had excellent meetings with senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful responses — and the incredible support of so many. While momentum was strong, it’s clear that my confirmation was unfairly distracting from the critical work of the Trump/Vance transition. Unnecessary There is no time for a protracted Washington scramble, so I am withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General,” Gaetz posted on social media platform X.
However, this is not the first time Getz has faced controversy. From inviting internet trolls TrumpGaetz’s State of the Union address has repeatedly made headlines for his clashes with White House leader Kevin McCarthy. Here are some of his most notable controversies:
When Matt Invites Internet Trolls for Trump’s State of the Union Address
One of Gaetz’s earliest controversial moments came in 2018 when he invited notorious internet troll Charles C. Johnson to attend Trump’s first State of the Union address. Getz explained to The Daily Beast that the invitation came about because Johnson “showed up in my office.” Despite the backlash, Gaetz defended Johnson—who had previously questioned the death toll of 6 million Jews during the Holocaust—telling Fox Business that Johnson was “not a Holocaust denier” and “not white supremacist.”
Reaction to personal attacks on Michael Cohen
On the eve of Michael Cohen’s testimony before the House Oversight Committee in February 2019, Gaetz launched a scathing personal attack on Twitter.
“Do your wife and father-in-law know about your girlfriend? Maybe tonight would be a good time for that chat,” Gaetz tweeted. “I wonder if she’ll be loyal while you’re in prison. She’s going to learn a lot.”
The tweet sparked outrage among House Democrats, prompting Gaetz to delete it and issue a rare apology.
“While it is important to create context around the testimony of liars like Michael Cohen, it was not my intention to make a threat, as some believe I did,” Gaetz wrote, referring to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s criticism of his comments. “I’m deleting the tweet and I should have chosen words that better convey my intent. I’m sorry.”
Democrats called for an ethics investigation into the incident. While the House Ethics Committee later cleared Gaetz of wrongdoing, it criticized him for conduct that “does not reflect creditably on the House of Representatives.” The Florida Bar, which also reviewed the matter, reached the same conclusion, clearing Gaetz while condemning his actions.
While Getz’s ‘wingman’ was sentenced to 11 years
In the final months of the Trump administration, the Justice Department launched an investigation into whether Representative Matt Gaetz had sexual relations with a 17-year-old and paid for her travel in violation of sex trafficking laws.
The probe surfaced during separate investigations Joel GreenbergA former Florida official whom Getz referred to as his “wingman.” Greenberg was eventually sentenced to 11 years in prison.
The revelations sparked widespread media attention, with reporters reporting on Gaetz’s Venmo dealings with Greenberg and other reports detailing his behavior in the Florida House, including claims of “Harry Potter”-themed sexual encounters. Colleagues of Gaetz also told reporters that the congressman bragged about his sexual encounters and even showed nude photos of women.
Getz has denied all allegations of wrongdoing. In February 2023, his legal team confirmed that the Justice Department would not press charges. This The Washington Post Earlier reported that prosecutors were uncertain about convictions due to credibility issues with key witnesses.
When the House Ethics Committee started an investigation
The House Ethics Committee opened its investigation into Matt Gaetz in 2021. While the investigation was initially halted due to pending Justice Department charges, the committee resumed its investigation in May 2023.
The committee, known for its discretion, has said publicly that it is investigating whether Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct, illegal drug use, accepting improper gifts or obstructing an investigation. Getz has denied all the allegations.
According to The New York Times, lawmakers were poised to vote on releasing their findings on Gaetz’s conduct. However, before he could proceed, the Florida Republican unexpectedly resigned. This came shortly after former President Trump selected Gaetz as his nominee for attorney general.
A tense confrontation between Getz and McCarthy
Kevin McCarthy, then the House Minority Leader, was expected to become the next Speaker of the House after Republicans regain control of the chamber in the 2022 midterms. However, Gaetz and several other lawmakers had different intentions. Tensions came to a head in January 2023 after the 14th vote failed, causing Alabama Rep. Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, had to be physically restrained after lashing out at Gaetz. Gaetz’s continued opposition to McCarthy was a major obstacle to McCarthy’s success as speaker. McCarthy eventually won the next ballot, and Rogers later apologized for his actions.
McCarthy eventually won the speakership, but Gaetz and a group of conservative lawmakers maintained significant leverage over him. Under the rules of the House, a member can initiate the process of removal of the Speaker. In October 2023, Gaetz triggered the process by filing a motion to vacate, and with the support of seven other Republicans and House Democrats, McCarthy was ousted.
Gaetz claimed that his push to remove McCarthy was motivated by policy differences, but McCarthy has consistently argued that his removal was personal and motivated by revenge. McCarthy has also called for Gaetz to be jailed.
Tensions between McCarthy and Gaetz were also evident at the 2024 Republican National Convention when Gates interrupted McCarthy during a TV interview, prompting McCarthy’s team to walk him away. “What night are you talking about?” Gaetz asked, interrupting McCarthy’s conversation.