Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Matt Gaetz

Discover the career path of Matt Gaetz, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Matt Gaetz is an American politician and lawyer who represented Florida's 1st congressional district from 2017 until his resignation in 2024. A Republican and self-described libertarian populist, he is considered a proponent of far-right politics and a staunch ally of Donald Trump. Gaetz initiated the motion to vacate that resulted in Kevin McCarthy's removal as Speaker of the House. Gaetz resigned from Congress in light of an ongoing investigation into allegations of sex trafficking and obstruction of justice.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1973: War Powers Act of 1973 invoked

In April 2019, Matt Gaetz was one of nine lawmakers urging Donald Trump to sign Senate Joint Resolution 7, which invokes the War Powers Act of 1973, to end unauthorized US military participation in the Saudi-led coalition's armed conflict against Houthi forces in Yemen.

2002: Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002

In June 2021, Matt Gaetz was one of 49 House Republicans to vote to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.

February 6, 2008: Admittance to the Florida Bar

On February 6, 2008, Matt Gaetz was admitted to the Florida Bar, marking a significant step in his legal career.

March 2010: Special Election Win

In March 2010, Matt Gaetz won the special election to succeed Ray Sansom in the 4th district after Sansom's resignation. Gaetz secured 43 percent of the vote in the Republican primary and defeated Democratic nominee Jan Fernald in the general election with 66 percent of the vote.

2012: Security relationship between Niger and United States in place

Niger ended its security relationship with the United States in March 2024. It had been in place since 2012.

May 2013: Ethanol Content Legislation Signed

In May 2013, legislation proposed by Matt Gaetz and Greg Evers to eliminate the federal ethanol content mandate that 10 percent of gasoline sold in Florida contain ethanol was signed into law by Governor Rick Scott.

2015: Gaetz Sponsors Amendment to Repeal Ban on Same-Sex Adoption

In 2015, as a Florida state representative, Matt Gaetz co-sponsored an amendment to repeal the state ban on same-sex adoptions. He also persuaded his father, then in the Florida State Senate, to support the repeal. Furthermore, after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, Gaetz expressed his disagreement, arguing that each state should decide on same-sex marriage, viewing the decision as judicial activism.

March 21, 2016: Withdrawal from State Senate Race

On March 21, 2016, Matt Gaetz withdrew from the race for the 1st district State Senate seat, choosing instead to run for the U.S. House seat representing Florida's 1st congressional district.

August 30, 2016: Republican Primary Victory

On August 30, 2016, Matt Gaetz won the Republican primary for Florida's 1st congressional district with 35.7 percent of the vote.

2016: Gaetz Promises to "Kill Muslim Terrorists and Build the Wall"

During his 2016 congressional campaign, Matt Gaetz promised to "kill Muslim terrorists and build the wall" in several commercials, reflecting his early support for Trump and his appeal to the Republican Party base.

2016: Acknowledged global warming but disagreed with scientific consensus

In 2016, Matt Gaetz acknowledged global warming but said he disagrees with the scientific consensus on climate change that human activity is the primary cause.

2016: General Election Victory and Financial Disclosure

In 2016, Matt Gaetz won the general election, defeating Democratic nominee Steven Specht with 69 percent of the vote. A financial disclosure form he filed showed a net worth of $388,000, and he donated $200,000 to his congressional campaign.

2016: Trump's Campaign Slogan

Matt Gaetz closed his town hall in Pace, Florida, in February 23, 2017 by shouting Trump's 2016 campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again".

2016: Announced run for Congress, made statement about undocumented immigrants

Upon announcing his run for Congress in 2016, Matt Gaetz said that undocumented immigrants were "sucking us dry".

January 2017: Proposed legislation to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency

In January 2017, Matt Gaetz proposed legislation to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency, claiming that it hurts small businesses via the costs associated with compliance.

February 23, 2017: Gaetz Holds 'Nonverbal Town Hall' in Pace, Florida

On February 23, 2017, Matt Gaetz prepared a "nonverbal town hall" in Pace, Florida, printing parts of his speech on giant boards due to concerns about protesters. He was questioned on his relationship with Trump, the Affordable Care Act, and the EPA.

September 2017: Gaetz Keynotes Marijuana Physicians Conference

In September 2017, Matt Gaetz keynoted the American Medical Marijuana Physicians Association's annual conference.

October 12, 2017: Introduced resolution affirming connection between Jewish people and Jerusalem

On October 12, 2017, Matt Gaetz introduced a resolution affirming the connection between the Jewish people and Jerusalem and condemning UNESCO's efforts to the contrary.

November 2017: Gaetz Calls for Mueller's Recusal

In November 2017, Matt Gaetz introduced a congressional resolution calling for Robert Mueller to recuse himself as special counsel due to alleged conflicts of interest. He also asked for a special counsel investigation into the FBI's handling of the Hillary Clinton email controversy.

November 2017: Joined the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus

In November 2017, Matt Gaetz joined the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus. He said he advocated technological innovation and economic incentives that address climate change, and increased federal funds for global warming research by NASA, NOAA and universities, but remained opposed to increased environmental regulation.

December 2017: Supported Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital

In December 2017, Matt Gaetz supported Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and said that the move would pressure Palestine to recognize Israel.

December 19, 2017: Voted against Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act

On December 19, 2017, Matt Gaetz was the only representative to vote against the Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act, a bill allocating additional government resources to help combat human trafficking. Gaetz explained that his vote was due to his small government principles.

2017: Voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

In 2017, Matt Gaetz voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. He acknowledged that the bill's pass-through tax deduction would benefit Donald Trump.

January 2018: Gaetz Invites Charles C. Johnson to State of the Union

In January 2018, Matt Gaetz invited Charles C. Johnson, an alt-right activist and Holocaust denier, to attend Donald Trump's State of the Union address, sparking controversy.

February 27, 2018: Voted against Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act

On February 27, 2018, Matt Gaetz voted against the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act, which had by then been combined with the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act.

April 2018: Gaetz Described as a 'Proud Trump Protégé'

In April 2018, Politico described Matt Gaetz as "one of the most enthusiastic defenders of president Trump on cable news" and a "proud Trump protégé."

May 2018: Gaetz Votes to Nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

In May 2018, Matt Gaetz was one of 18 House Republicans to vote to nominate Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in peace talks with North Korea.

February 26, 2019: Gaetz Tweets About Cohen Before Hearing

On February 26, 2019, Matt Gaetz tweeted at Michael Cohen, implying Cohen had extramarital affairs and suggesting his wife might be unfaithful. This occurred the night before Cohen's public hearing before the House Oversight Committee. The tweet was viewed by some members of Congress as an attempt to intimidate a witness. Gaetz initially defended his tweet, but later deleted it and apologized following criticism.

April 2019: Hiring of Darren Beattie

In April 2019, Matt Gaetz hired Darren Beattie as a speechwriter. Beattie had previously been fired as a speechwriter for the Trump administration after attending a conference associated with white nationalists.

April 2019: Signed letter requesting meeting with Trump regarding Yemen intervention

In April 2019, after the House passed a resolution withdrawing American support for the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen, Matt Gaetz was one of nine lawmakers to sign a letter to Donald Trump requesting a meeting with him and urging him to sign Senate Joint Resolution 7, which invokes the War Powers Act of 1973, to end unauthorized US military participation in the Saudi-led coalition's armed conflict against Houthi forces in Yemen.

July 24, 2019: Gaetz Questions Mueller During Testimony

During Robert Mueller's testimony to two congressional committees on July 24, 2019, Matt Gaetz questioned him about whether Russians were lying to Christopher Steele to undermine confidence in the newly elected president, and if Steele was charged with lying.

August 2019: Florida Bar Finds No Probable Cause Against Gaetz

In August 2019, the Florida Bar announced that it had found no probable cause that Matt Gaetz had violated its rules regarding his tweet about Michael Cohen.

October 2019: Gaetz Organizes 'Storming' of Sensitive Facility

In October 2019, Matt Gaetz organized a "storming" of a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility on Capitol Hill by about two dozen Republican congressmen during the impeachment inquiry into Trump, potentially compromising U.S. national security.

October 2019: Gaetz Not Allowed to Join Fiona Hill Deposition

In October 2019, Matt Gaetz, as a member of the House Judiciary Committee but not the Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, or Oversight and Reform Committees, was not allowed to join lawmakers' closed-door deposition of former White House Russia aide Fiona Hill during the Trump impeachment inquiry.

November 2019: Gaetz Votes for and Cosponsors MORE Act

In November 2019, Matt Gaetz was one of only two Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee to vote for the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act. He was also the only Republican cosponsor of the bill at the time of its passage.

2019: Introduced the bipartisan Super Pollutants Act

In 2019, Matt Gaetz and Democratic Representative Scott Peters introduced the bipartisan Super Pollutants Act, which aimed to slow climate change by regulating greenhouses gases, especially black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons, and methane.

2019: Voted against condemning Trump's withdrawal from Syria

In 2019, Matt Gaetz was one of 60 representatives to vote against condemning Donald Trump's withdrawal from Syria.

February 2020: No More PAC Contributions

In February 2020, Matt Gaetz announced that he would no longer accept campaign contributions from federal political action committees.

February 2020: Gaetz Supports Pardon for Roger Stone

In February 2020, appearing on The View shortly before Trump associate Roger Stone was sentenced, Matt Gaetz said he would support a pardon for Stone.

April 2020: Report on Gaetz's Office Rental

In April 2020, Politico reported that Matt Gaetz had spent nearly $200,000 of taxpayer funds renting an office from Collier Merrill. This arrangement raised concerns due to House rules regarding below-market rentals and relationships between parties.

July 1, 2020: Office of Congressional Ethics Terminates Review

On July 1, 2020, the Office of Congressional Ethics notified Matt Gaetz that it had terminated its review of the lease arrangements.

July 2020: Politico Reports on Gaetz's Expenditures

In July 2020, Politico reported that its investigation had found expenditures by Matt Gaetz that appeared to violate House ethics rules. These included spending on a speech-writing consultant and having a private company install a television studio in his father's home in Niceville, Florida.

2020: Gaetz Published "Firebrand"

In 2020, Matt Gaetz published a book titled "Firebrand", where he criticizes former House speaker Paul Ryan. In the book, Gaetz discusses dating in Washington and mentions rules he set for himself to avoid sexual missteps.

2020: Voted against Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020

Matt Gaetz voted against the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 which authorizes DHS to nearly double the available H-2B visas for the remainder of FY 2020.

January 7, 2021: Gaetz Blames Antifa for Capitol Attack

On January 7, 2021, after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, Matt Gaetz falsely blamed antifa for the attack, suggesting rioters were "masquerading as Trump supporters." He also voted against the second impeachment of Donald Trump.

February 2021: Ethics Complaint Filed Against Gaetz for Skipping Votes

In February 2021, Matt Gaetz and other Republican House members skipped votes, citing the COVID-19 pandemic, but were actually attending the Conservative Political Action Conference. The Campaign for Accountability filed a complaint with the House Committee on Ethics, requesting an investigation into Gaetz and the other lawmakers.

April 2021: House Ethics Committee Opens Probe

In April 2021, the House Ethics Committee initiated an investigation into Matt Gaetz's alleged misconduct but temporarily suspended it pending the DOJ's investigation.

May 7, 2021: "America First Tour" Launch

On May 7, 2021, Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene began a nationwide "America First Tour" in The Villages, Florida.

June 2021: Introduced the Digital Health Pass Prevention Act

In June 2021, Matt Gaetz introduced the Digital Health Pass Prevention Act (DHPPA), aimed at preventing the federal government from funding and enforcing digital passes associated with COVID-19 vaccination status.

June 2021: Voted against Congressional Gold Medal

In June 2021, Matt Gaetz was one of 21 House Republicans to vote against a resolution to give the Congressional Gold Medal to police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on January 6.

June 2021: Voted to repeal Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002

In June 2021, Matt Gaetz was one of 49 House Republicans to vote to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.

August 2021: Co-sponsored resolution to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas and Joe Biden

In August 2021, Matt Gaetz co-sponsored a resolution by Andy Biggs to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. Later in August 2021, Gaetz co-sponsored a resolution by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene to impeach president Biden.

2021: Gaetz Starts "Firebrand" Podcast

In 2021, Matt Gaetz launched a podcast titled "Firebrand", where he criticizes former House speaker Paul Ryan and blames him for canceling Lou Dobbs Tonight.

2021: Voted against condemning the Myanmar coup d'état

In 2021, Matt Gaetz was one of 14 House Republicans to vote against a measure condemning the Myanmar coup d'état that overwhelmingly passed, for reasons reported to be unclear.

July 26, 2022: Voted against Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act

On July 26, 2022, Matt Gaetz voted against the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act.

September 2022: Called impeaching Biden a "priority"

In September 2022, Matt Gaetz called impeaching Joe Biden a "priority". He believed that many Republicans in Congress were hesitant to impeach Biden, but that Republican voters would feel "betrayed" if they did not.

September 2022: Gaetz Calls for Impeachment Inquiries Against Democrats

In September 2022, Matt Gaetz stated on Steve Bannon's War Room podcast that Republicans should prioritize "impeachment inquiries" against Democrats if they won the 2022 U.S. House elections, diminishing the priority of policy and bill-making.

December 1, 2022: Greenberg Sentenced to Prison

On December 1, 2022, Matt Gaetz associate Greenberg was sentenced to 11 years in prison plus 10 years of supervised release due to his assistance with prosecutors in investigations, including those involving Gaetz. The sentencing judge noted Greenberg's substantial cooperation with the government.

2022: Gaetz Votes Against Respect for Marriage Act

In 2022, Matt Gaetz voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, which repealed the Defense of Marriage Act, which restricted legal recognition of marriage to opposite-sex marriage in federal law.

2022: Gaetz Votes for Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022

In 2022, Matt Gaetz was one of 39 Republicans who voted for the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022, an antitrust package aimed at cracking down on corporations for anti-competitive behavior.

February 2023: House Ethics Committee Reopens Probe

Following the DOJ's conclusion of its investigation in February 2023, the House Ethics Committee resumed its investigation into Matt Gaetz's alleged misconduct.

February 2023: DOJ Ends Investigation, Will Not Charge Gaetz

In February 2023, the Department of Justice informed Matt Gaetz's attorneys that they concluded their investigation and would not be pressing charges against him, effectively ending a multiyear probe into allegations of misconduct.

March 2023: Gaetz Hires Derrick Miller as Aide

In March 2023, The Intercept reported that Matt Gaetz had hired Derrick Miller, who had served time in prison for murdering a civilian in Afghanistan, as his military legislative aide.

May 2023: Co-sponsored resolutions to impeach Biden and Mayorkas

In May 2023, Matt Gaetz co-sponsored resolutions by Marjorie Taylor Greene to impeach Joe Biden and Alejandro Mayorkas.

September 2023: Denounced Biden impeachment effort

In September 2023, during a video conference moderated by Steve Bannon, Matt Gaetz denounced the impeachment effort against Joe Biden as a political stunt, stating he did not believe it was a legitimate impeachment.

October 2, 2023: Resolution to Oust McCarthy Filed

On October 2, 2023, Matt Gaetz filed a resolution to oust Kevin McCarthy from his role as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives after McCarthy negotiated with Democrats to pass a shutdown-averting continuing resolution. The resolution passed.

October 2023: Motion to Vacate Filed

In October 2023, Matt Gaetz filed a motion to vacate the speakership, which led to the removal of Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

October 2023: Gaetz Files Motion to Vacate, Leading to McCarthy's Removal

In October 2023, Matt Gaetz filed a motion to vacate, which led to the removal of Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

2023: Shifted to criticizing Israel

In 2023, Matt Gaetz voted to provide Israel with support following 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. After leaving office, Gaetz shifted to criticizing Israel, opposing anti-BDS laws and opposing AIPAC's influence on American politics.

2023: Voted in favor of removing U.S. troops from Syria

In 2023, Matt Gaetz was among 47 Republicans to vote in favor of H.Con.Res. 21, which directed president Joe Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.

2023: Voted against Fiscal Responsibility Act

In 2023, Matt Gaetz was among the 71 Republicans who voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 in the House.

March 2024: Niger ended security relationship with the United States

In March 2024, Niger announced it was ending its security relationship with the United States, which had been in place since 2012.

April 2024: Voted against military aid package for Ukraine

In April 2024, Matt Gaetz voted against the $60 billion military aid package for Ukraine, although much of the money would have gone to his constituency.

November 13, 2024: Nomination for Attorney General

On November 13, 2024, then President-elect Donald Trump announced he would nominate Matt Gaetz to serve as United States attorney general. Upon Trump's announcement, Gaetz resigned from the House of Representatives.

November 2024: Gaetz Resigns from House Amid Ethics Probe

In mid-November 2024, days before a scheduled vote on the Ethics Committee report, Matt Gaetz resigned from the House following his nomination as United States Attorney General for Donald Trump's second term. This resignation caused the Ethics Committee to lose jurisdiction. Several senators requested to review the Ethics Committee report.

November 21, 2024: Gaetz Withdraws Name from Attorney General Consideration

On November 21, 2024, Matt Gaetz announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he was withdrawing his name from consideration as attorney general to avoid complicating the Trump transition.

December 2024: Ethics Committee Report Released

In December 2024, Matt Gaetz withdrew his nomination for Attorney General and indicated he would not return to the House. The House Ethics Committee released its report on December 23, concluding that Gaetz violated Florida state laws but did not engage in sex trafficking across state lines. The committee identified at least 20 occasions in which Gaetz had paid women for sex or drugs, including over $90,000 to the 17-year-old girl and 11 other women.

2024: Gaetz Condemns LGBT and Anti-White Propaganda in Schools

In 2024, Matt Gaetz condemned schools for promoting what he described as "degenerate LGBT and anti-White propaganda" and introduced his "National Prayer In School Act".

2024: Gaetz Supports Anti-Cannabis Candidates

In 2024, Matt Gaetz repeatedly supported anti-cannabis candidates during the Republican Speaker nominee selection, despite his own previous stances on marijuana policy.

January 2025: Gaetz Begins Hosting "The Matt Gaetz Show"

In January 2025, Matt Gaetz began hosting a 9 p.m. Eastern weeknight political talk show called "The Matt Gaetz Show" on One America News Network.

January 2025: The Matt Gaetz Show Launch

In January 2025, Matt Gaetz started hosting The Matt Gaetz Show, a political talk show airing weeknights on One America News Network.

January 2026: Ethics Committee Closes Statutory Rape Case

In January 2026, the Florida Bulldog published a report by the Florida Bar's committee of ethics that found substantial evidence that Gaetz committed statutory rape; it then closed the case.