Matt Gaetz's own father admitted he was surprised by President-elect Donald Trump's shocking decision to select the former Florida congressman as attorney general.
Don Gaetz — Affectionately known as “Papa Gaetz” — Florida State Senator told Politico He said he and his wife “really had no advance warning” before news of their son's nomination broke last week. “Matt called us and said the president had offered me the attorney general position. He claimed that he first found out about it when he told him.
“I think it's fair to say Matt wasn't looking for a job,” said the 76-year-old Goetz.
News of Gaetz's nomination as the nation's top law enforcement officer last week drew widespread criticism on both sides of the political spectrum, with some adamant that he would never even be confirmed.
Still, Gaetz resigned from the House of Representatives “immediately” following President Trump's announcement, pending the House Ethics Committee's ongoing investigation into allegations that Gaetz participated in a scheme that led to the sex trafficking of a 17-year-old boy. brought an end to the investigation. girl.
But his father dismissed Gates' checkered past, telling the outlet: “Matt is being investigated by the House Ethics Committee, the Department of Justice, the Federal Election Commission, and possibly the Rotary Club.”
Dong added: “He has been investigated by all parties for over two years, but there is no basis for any charges against him and he denies all allegations of politically motivated wrongdoing.”
Gates, a longtime political powerhouse in Florida who was recently elected to the state Senate, said he was confident his son would survive a contentious confirmation battle if Trump returned to the White House. Ta.
“Approval is always like a roll of the dice,” Don said. “Confirmation comes naturally to some people, and sitting senators usually find it easier to get confirmed. Those further out may find it more difficult.
“Matt is a man who has always looked for opportunities to be an advocate for the issues he cares about. He has been a strong supporter of the president and a harsh critic of the Biden-Harris administration.” continued.
“Thanks to Matt, at least we have someone in Washington on speed dial,” Don said of the timing of his return to the Florida Senate and his son's nomination.
