Early Life and Education of Matt Gaetz: A Complete Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Matt Gaetz. From birth to education, explore key events.
Matt Gaetz is an American politician and lawyer. He served as the U.S. representative for Florida's 1st congressional district from 2017 until he resigned in 2024. A Republican and self-described libertarian populist, Gaetz is considered a proponent of far-right politics and a strong ally of Donald Trump. Notably, in October 2023, he initiated a motion to vacate, which resulted in Kevin McCarthy's removal as speaker of the House.
2003: Graduation from Florida State University
In 2003, Matt Gaetz graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary sciences.
2007: Graduation from William & Mary Law School
In 2007, Matt Gaetz graduated from the William & Mary Law School with a Juris Doctor.
2015: Commented on Supreme Court's Same-Sex Marriage Ruling
In 2015, after the U.S. Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges decision, Gaetz expressed his disagreement with the ruling, stating that each state should decide on same-sex marriage and arguing it was an example of "judicial activism."
2015: Sponsored Amendment to Repeal State Ban on Same-Sex Adoptions
In 2015, as a Florida state representative, Gaetz co-sponsored an amendment to repeal the state ban on same-sex adoptions and persuaded his father to support the repeal in the Florida State Senate.
October 12, 2017: Introduced Resolution on Jewish Connection to 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: Joined Climate Solutions Caucus
In November 2017, Gaetz joined the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus. He advocated for technological innovation, economic incentives to address climate change, and increased federal funds for global warming research.
December 2017: Supported Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's Capital
In December 2017, Gaetz supported Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, stating that the move would pressure Palestine to recognize Israel.
April 2019: Signed Letter on Yemen Intervention
In April 2019, after the House passed a resolution on American support in Yemen, Gaetz was one of nine lawmakers who signed a letter to Trump, requesting a meeting and urging him to sign Senate Joint Resolution 7 to end unauthorized US military participation in the Saudi-led coalition's armed conflict against Houthi forces in Yemen.
March 2020: Wore Gas Mask During House Debate on COVID-19 Funds
In early March 2020, Gaetz wore a gas mask during a House debate on funds to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking controversy. Later in March 2020, he self-quarantined after contact with a COVID-19 positive attendee and tested negative, but continued self-quarantine.
December 4, 2020: Attended Indoor NY Young Republicans Club Conference
On December 4, 2020, during a surge in COVID-19 cases, Gaetz attended an indoor New York Young Republicans Club conference in New Jersey and was seen posing for photos with unmasked attendees, which led to public condemnation.
December 2020: Engagement to Ginger Luckey
In December 2020, Matt Gaetz announced his engagement to Ginger Luckey.
June 2021: Introduced Digital Health Pass Prevention Act
In June 2021, Gaetz introduced the Digital Health Pass Prevention Act (DHPPA), aiming to prevent federal funding for digital passes associated with COVID-19 vaccination status.
August 2021: Marriage to Ginger Luckey
In August 2021, Matt Gaetz married Ginger Luckey.
October 2023: Filed Motion to Vacate Leading to Removal of Kevin McCarthy
In October 2023, Matt Gaetz filed a motion to vacate, which resulted in the removal of Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
March 2024: Niger Ended Security Relationship with US
In March 2024, Niger announced it was ending its security relationship with the United States. This relationship 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, even though a significant portion of the funds would have benefited his constituency.
2024: Introduced National Prayer in School Act
In 2024, Gaetz condemned schools for promoting what he described as "degenerate LGBT and anti-White propaganda" and introduced his "National Prayer In School Act".
