In a surprising turn of events, Matt Gaetz has been nominated as President-elect Donald Trump‘s Attorney General. In his Wednesday announcement, Trump praised the Florida congressman as “a champion for the Constitution and the rule of law,” adding, “Matt will root out the systemic corruption at DOJ, and return the department to its true mission of fighting Crime, and upholding our Democracy and Constitution. We must have Honesty, Integrity, and Transparency at DOJ.”
Over the past eight years, Gaetz has built a reputation as one of Trump’s staunchest allies in Congress, and it appears to have paid off. While such positions typically go to more senior politicians with extensive legal experience, Gaetz has managed to carve out his own path.
Here’s a closer look at his legal background, political career, and the status of the ongoing investigations into his conduct.
Where Did Gaetz Go to School?
Gaetz earned his undergraduate degree from Florida State University before attending William & Mary Law School.
Is Gaetz a Lawyer?
Gaetz earned his Juris Doctor from William & Mary Law School in 2007 and was admitted to the Florida Bar the following year. He then worked in private practice at a firm in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, before launching his campaign for state representative in 2010.
In 2021, the Florida Bar briefly suspended his license due to unpaid fees, but as of November 13, the association’s website lists him as a member in good standing.
How Long Has Gaetz Been Involved in Politics?
From 2010 to 2016, Gaetz served in the Florida House of Representatives before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he has been reelected every two years since 2016.
Is Gaetz Under Investigation?
Beginning in 2019, Gaetz was the subject of a yearslong Justice Department investigation into allegations of sex trafficking and obstruction of justice. In 2023, the DOJ concluded its investigation and decided not to pursue charges The investigation into Gaetz originated from a probe into his former friend, Joel Greenberg, the former Seminole County Tax Collector, who was sentenced in 2022 to 11 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including sex trafficking a minor and introducing the minor to other “adult men.”
Subsequently, the House Ethics Committee launched its own investigation into Gaetz, examining allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, accepting improper gifts, granting special privileges and favors to individuals with whom he had personal relationships, and attempting to obstruct government inquiries into his conduct.
However, following Gaetz’s resignation from Congress on Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson clarified that the ongoing Ethics Committee investigation into the trafficking allegations would be terminated, and no report would be issued.
According to CBS News, Gaetz requested a preemptive pardon from Trump for any potential crimes related to the investigation before the president left office in January 2021.
