History of Matt Gaetz in Timeline
Matthew Louis Gaetz II is a Republican politician who has represented Florida's 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2017. His district encompasses Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties, along with parts of Walton County. Known for his far-right political stance, Gaetz is a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump.
1933: Establishment of Florida's 1st Congressional District
Florida's 1st congressional district, represented by Matt Gaetz, has had only seven representatives since its establishment in 1933.
1963: Redesignation of Florida's Congressional Districts
Florida's congressional districts were renumbered in 1963, with the district previously numbered as the 3rd becoming the 1st.
1964: Death of Jerry Gaetz
Matt Gaetz's grandfather, Jerry Gaetz, died of a heart attack at the 1964 North Dakota Republican Party state convention while running for lieutenant governor of North Dakota.
1973: War Powers Act of 1973 Enacted
The War Powers Act was enacted in 1973.
May 7, 1982: Birth of Matt Gaetz
Matt Gaetz was born on May 7, 1982.
2002: Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution Passed
The Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution was passed in 2002.
2003: Graduated from Florida State University
Matt Gaetz graduated from Florida State University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary sciences.
2005: David McGee Becomes Private Attorney
David McGee, a former federal prosecutor, transitioned into private practice.
2006: Don Gaetz Elected to Florida State Senate
Matt Gaetz's father, Don Gaetz, began representing parts of northwest Florida as a member of the Florida State Senate in 2006.
2007: Graduated from William & Mary Law School
Matt Gaetz graduated from William & Mary Law School in 2007 with a Juris Doctor.
2007: Disappearance of Robert Levinson
Robert Levinson disappeared in Iran.
February 6, 2008: Admitted to the Florida Bar
Matt Gaetz was admitted to the Florida Bar on February 6, 2008.
2008: Gaetz Arrested for DUI, Refuses Breathalyzer Test
In 2008, Gaetz was arrested for driving under the influence after being pulled over for speeding. He initially denied consuming alcohol but later admitted to having two beers. Gaetz refused to submit to a breathalyzer test.
2008: Discussion of Mugshot Legislation
While his subcommittee was considering legislation that would keep suspects' mugshots off the Internet until their convictions, Matt Gaetz brought up his 2008 arrest and non-conviction, arguing that publicly available mugshots "could be a problem for those unaccustomed to publicity".
February 2010: Resignation of Ray Sansom
Republican state representative Ray Sansom resigned from the Florida House of Representatives in February 2010 due to corruption charges.
March 2010: Special Election for Florida House of Representatives
Matt Gaetz ran in the special election to succeed Ray Sansom in the 4th district of the Florida House of Representatives in March 2010.
2010: Unopposed for Full Term
Matt Gaetz ran unopposed for a full term in the Florida House of Representatives.
2010: Elected to the Florida House of Representatives
Matt Gaetz was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2010.
2012: Don Gaetz Becomes Senate President
Don Gaetz served as the Senate president in Florida from 2012.
2012: Re-elected to Florida House, District Reconfigured
Matt Gaetz was re-elected to the Florida House of Representatives unopposed, with his district no longer including any of Santa Rosa County.
2012: Security Relationship between Niger and the United States Established
The security relationship between Niger and the United States was established in 2012.
May 2013: Ethanol Content Mandate Bill Signed
Governor Rick Scott signed legislation proposed by Matt Gaetz and state senator Greg Evers to eliminate the federal ethanol content mandate in Florida in May 2013.
2013: Announcement of Candidacy for State Senate
Matt Gaetz announced his candidacy for the 1st District State Senate seat in 2013.
2014: Don Gaetz's Term as Senate President Ends
Don Gaetz's term as Senate President ended in 2014.
2014: Re-elected to Florida House Unopposed
Matt Gaetz was re-elected to the Florida House of Representatives unopposed.
2015: Gaetz Expresses Disagreement with Supreme Court Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage
Following the Supreme Court's landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision in 2015, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, Gaetz publicly stated his disagreement with the ruling, arguing that individual states should have the right to determine their own marriage laws.
2015: Gaetz Supports Repeal of Same-Sex Adoption Ban in Florida
In 2015, during his time as a Florida state representative, Gaetz demonstrated his support for LGBTQ+ rights by co-sponsoring an amendment to overturn Florida's ban on same-sex couples adopting children.
2015: Support for Jeb Bush Presidential Campaign
Matt Gaetz supported Jeb Bush's presidential campaign.
2015: Vote Against Revenge Porn Criminalization
Matt Gaetz was one of two members to vote against a Florida bill criminalizing revenge porn in 2015, after having successfully blocked the bill previously.
March 2016: Campaign Donation From Pirozzolo
In March 2016, Jason Pirozzolo donated $1,000 to "Friends of Matt Gaetz," Gaetz's campaign arm.
March 21, 2016: Withdrawal from State Senate Race
Matt Gaetz withdrew from the race for the 1st district State Senate seat.
August 30, 2016: Republican Primary Victory
Matt Gaetz won the Republican primary with 35.7 percent of the vote, securing his path to victory in the general election.
September 25, 2016: Criticism of Athletes Protesting During National Anthem
Matt Gaetz criticized athletes protesting during the national anthem in a tweet on September 25, 2016, following the death of Miami Marlins pitcher José Fernández.
2016: Gaetz Uses Trump's Campaign Slogan
Gaetz ended his town hall by using Trump's 2016 campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again".
2016: Gaetz Announces Congressional Run, Targets Illegal Immigration
During his 2016 congressional campaign announcement, Gaetz took a hard stance against illegal immigration, making inflammatory remarks about immigrants.
2016: Gaetz's Early Support for Donald Trump
In 2016, Gaetz emerged as an early supporter of Donald Trump, aligning himself with Trump's rhetoric and promising to "kill Muslim terrorists and build the wall" during his congressional campaign.
2016: Don Gaetz's Tenure Ends
Don Gaetz's time representing parts of northwest Florida in the Florida State Senate ended in 2016.
2016: Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives
Matt Gaetz was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016.
2016: Campaign Finances and PAC Transfers
Matt Gaetz donated $200,000 of his own money to his congressional campaign and resigned from two Florida House political action committees, which transferred $380,000 to a federal super PAC supporting his campaign.
2016: Proposed Changes to Florida Republican Presidential Primary
Jeb Bush emailed Matt Gaetz about introducing a bill to change the 2016 Florida Republican presidential primary to an earlier date in order to benefit Bush.
2016: Gaetz Acknowledges Global Warming but Expresses Doubts on Human Activity as Primary Cause
In 2016, Matt Gaetz acknowledged the existence of global warming but expressed his disagreement with the widely accepted scientific view that human activity is the main cause of climate change.
2016: Gaetz Refers to Galbán as "Local Student"
In 2016, Gaetz referred to Galbán as a "local student," providing a glimpse into their relationship before the full context emerged later on.
January 2017: Gaetz Proposes Abolition of Environmental Protection Agency
In January 2017, Matt Gaetz put forward a legislative proposal to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He argued that the EPA's regulations were burdensome to small businesses due to the costs associated with compliance.
February 23, 2017: Gaetz Holds "Nonverbal" Town Hall Amidst Protest Concerns
In February 2017, Gaetz prepared a "nonverbal" town hall, using printed boards to communicate, due to concerns about potential disruptions by protesters.
April 2017: Gaetz Labeled as Climate Change Denier
In April 2017, the Center for American Progress and Vice Media labeled Matt Gaetz a climate change denier, citing his statements from 2016 where he acknowledged global warming but disagreed with the scientific consensus on human activity as the primary cause.
May 2017: Second Campaign Donation From Pirozzolo
Jason Pirozzolo made another $1,000 donation to "Friends of Matt Gaetz" in May 2017.
June 2017: Member of the Main Street Partnership
Matt Gaetz was listed as a member of the moderate Republican Main Street Partnership until at least June 2017.
September 2017: Gaetz Keynotes Medical Marijuana Conference
Gaetz delivered a keynote address at the American Medical Marijuana Physicians Association's annual conference in September 2017, highlighting his support for medical cannabis.
October 2017: Gaetz's Claim Linking Medicaid Expansion to Opioid Crisis Debunked
In October 2017, Matt Gaetz claimed that the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act contributed to the opioid crisis. However, PolitiFact, a fact-checking organization, rated his claim as "mostly false." They noted a lack of evidence supporting a link between Medicaid expansion and increased opioid use and highlighted that experts did not support Gaetz's assertion.
November 2017: Gaetz Calls for Mueller's Recusal and New Special Counsel Investigation
In November 2017, Gaetz introduced a resolution to demand the recusal of Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election, alleging conflicts of interest.
November 2017: Gaetz Joins Climate Solutions Caucus
In November 2017, Matt Gaetz joined the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, advocating for technological innovation and economic incentives to address climate change while maintaining his opposition to increased environmental regulations.
December 2017: Gaetz Supports Trump's Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's Capital
In December 2017, Matt Gaetz expressed support for President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. He asserted that this move would put pressure on Palestine to formally recognize Israel.
December 19, 2017: Gaetz Stands Alone in Vote Against Human Trafficking Bill
On December 19, 2017, Gaetz was the sole vote against the Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act. He defended his decision by citing his belief in limited government and that existing agencies were equipped to address human trafficking.
2017: Start of Congressional Service
Matt Gaetz began serving as the U.S. representative for Florida's 1st congressional district in 2017.
2017: Gaetz Votes in Favor of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
In 2017, Matt Gaetz voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, acknowledging that it would benefit Trump but arguing that it would also make commercial real estate more accessible for many Americans.
2017: Witness Alleges Greenberg and Gaetz's Involvement with Underage Girl
In 2017, Joseph Ellicott claimed to have witnessed a phone call where Greenberg informed Gaetz that a woman they both had sexual relations with was underage. This accusation added another layer to the allegations against Gaetz.
2017: Gaetz Calls Galbán "My Helper"
In 2017, Gaetz used the term "my helper" to describe Galbán, further illustrating their close bond and the evolving nature of their relationship in the public eye.
2017: Gaetz Investigated for Sex Trafficking Allegations
Gaetz became the subject of a Justice Department investigation in 2017 for alleged sex trafficking of a minor and potential violations of federal law by paying for her travel across state lines. These accusations stemmed from information revealed during the investigation into Joel Greenberg.
2017: Key Staff Join Gaetz's Team
Luke Ball and Devin Murphy started working for Gaetz when he entered Congress.
January 2018: Gaetz Defends Trump's Comments About Haiti and African Nations
Gaetz defended President Trump's remarks that reportedly described Haiti and African countries in offensive terms in January 2018. Gaetz's defense echoed Trump's sentiment, further fueling the controversy.
January 2018: Invitation to Charles C. Johnson to State of the Union
Matt Gaetz invited alt-right Holocaust denier Charles C. Johnson to attend Donald Trump's State of the Union address in January 2018.
February 27, 2018: Gaetz Votes Against Bill Combating Online Sex Trafficking
Gaetz voted against the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act, a bill aimed at curbing online sex trafficking, on February 27, 2018. The bill passed with a significant majority.
April 2018: Gaetz Labeled as Staunch Defender of President Trump
Gaetz earned a reputation as a strong supporter of President Trump, with media outlets like Politico calling him "one of the most enthusiastic defenders of President Trump on cable news."
April 2018: Gaetz Allegedly Accompanies Greenberg to Government Office Where Fake IDs Were Being Made
In April 2018, Gaetz allegedly accompanied Joel Greenberg to a government office where Greenberg was allegedly producing fake IDs. This information surfaced later as part of a larger investigation into Greenberg's activities.
May 2018: Gaetz Votes to Nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize
Gaetz further demonstrated his support for Trump by being one of the few House Republicans who voted to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize in May 2018 for his efforts in the North Korea peace talks.
May 2018: Venmo Transactions Investigated
Investigators examined Venmo transaction records from May 2018, which allegedly showed Gaetz sending money to Greenberg, who then distributed it to three women, suggesting potential illegal exchange of money for sex.
September 2018: Bahamas Trip Under Scrutiny
Gaetz's September 2018 trip to the Bahamas with Jason Pirozzolo, a marijuana entrepreneur, came under investigation. Investigators looked into allegations of escort services, potential sex trafficking, and if Gaetz accepted these services in exchange for political favors.
September 2018: Text Messages Reveal Alleged Prostitution Involvement
Text messages dating back to September 2018 surfaced, allegedly between Greenberg and a woman engaged in prostitution. These messages suggested that a prostitute was arranged for Gaetz, and MDMA may have been involved. Gaetz denied these allegations.
October 2018: Gaetz Makes False Claim Linking Soros to Migrant Caravan
In October 2018, Gaetz spread misinformation by asserting that George Soros, a frequent target of conspiracy theories, was funding a migrant caravan headed to the United States.
2018: Re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives
Matt Gaetz was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018.
2018: Gaetz Attends Rallies with Proud Boys Presence
Matt Gaetz was present at political rallies in 2018 where members of the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group, were also in attendance.
2018: Adviser to Ron DeSantis's Gubernatorial Campaign
Matt Gaetz served as a top campaign adviser to Ron DeSantis during his 2018 gubernatorial campaign.
February 26, 2019: Gaetz Tweets Controversial Remarks About Michael Cohen
On February 26, 2019, Gaetz posted a tweet directed at Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, suggesting Cohen's infidelity. The tweet drew criticism and was seen as witness intimidation.
April 2019: Gaetz Urges Trump to End US Involvement in Yemen Conflict
In April 2019, following the House's passage of a resolution to withdraw American support for the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, Matt Gaetz, along with eight other lawmakers, signed a letter to President Trump. The letter requested a meeting and urged the president to sign Senate Joint Resolution 7, which aimed to invoke the War Powers Act of 1973 to end unauthorized US military involvement in the conflict.
April 2019: Gaetz Hires Controversial Speechwriter
In April 2019, Matt Gaetz hired Darren Beattie, a former speechwriter for the Trump administration who was fired for attending a conference associated with white nationalists.
July 24, 2019: Gaetz Confronts Mueller During Testimony
Gaetz directly confronted Mueller during his testimony before congressional committees on July 24, 2019, accusing him of bias and a lack of thoroughness in investigating Russian interference.
August 2019: Florida Bar Clears Gaetz of Ethics Violation
In August 2019, the Florida Bar concluded its investigation into Gaetz's tweet about Michael Cohen, finding no probable cause of an ethics violation.
October 2019: Gaetz Leads Disruptive "Storming" of Secure Facility During Impeachment Inquiry
Gaetz orchestrated a controversial incident in October 2019 when he led a group of Republican congressmen in "storming" a secure facility on Capitol Hill to disrupt a deposition related to the Trump impeachment inquiry.
October 2019: Gaetz Demands Access to Impeachment Deposition
During the Trump impeachment inquiry in October 2019, Gaetz insisted on being part of the closed-door depositions, arguing that his position on the Judiciary Committee warranted his inclusion.
November 2019: Gaetz Supports Marijuana Reform Bill
In November 2019, Gaetz showed his support for cannabis law reform by becoming one of the only Republicans to vote for the MORE Act, aiming to decriminalize cannabis.
2019: Gaetz Attends Rallies with Proud Boys Presence
Matt Gaetz was present at political rallies in 2019 where members of the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group, were also in attendance.
2019: Gaetz Votes Against Condemning Trump's Withdrawal From Syria
In 2019, Matt Gaetz was among the representatives who voted against a resolution that condemned President Trump's decision to withdraw American troops from Syria.
2019: Beekman Charged with Murder
Corey Ryan Beekman, who Gaetz invited to a Judiciary Committee hearing in 2023, was charged with murder in 2019 in Michigan.
2019: Gaetz Introduces Super Pollutants Act
Matt Gaetz introduced the bipartisan Super Pollutants Act in 2019. This legislation aimed to combat climate change by regulating greenhouse gases, particularly black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons, and methane, which are considered super pollutants due to their high potency compared to carbon dioxide.
January 2020: Secret Service Receives Tip Regarding Gaetz and Greenberg's Alleged Involvement in Fake ID Scheme
The U.S. Secret Service received information in January 2020 alleging that Gaetz accompanied Joel Greenberg, then Seminole County tax collector, to a government office where Greenberg was purportedly creating fraudulent identification documents.
February 2020: Gaetz Voices Support for Roger Stone Pardon
Shortly before Trump's associate, Roger Stone, was sentenced in February 2020, Gaetz expressed his support for a pardon, further solidifying his allegiance with Trump's circle.
February 2020: Gaetz Rejects Corporate PAC Contributions
In February 2020, Gaetz made the announcement that he would decline any further campaign contributions from federal political action committees.
March 2020: Gaetz Wears Gas Mask to Congress, Later Self-Quarantines
In March 2020, Matt Gaetz wore a gas mask during a House debate concerning funds for the COVID-19 pandemic. While he stated it was out of concern, many journalists considered it a stunt. A few days later, Gaetz announced he was in contact with a COVID-positive individual and would self-quarantine.
April 2020: Gaetz's Office Lease Arrangement Scrutinized
In April 2020, Gaetz faced scrutiny for renting an office from a political supporter and donor at a potentially below-market rate, raising ethical concerns.
June 1, 2020: Gaetz's Tweet on Antifa Sparks Controversy
On June 1, 2020, amidst nationwide George Floyd protests, Matt Gaetz posted a tweet that sparked controversy. In the tweet, he questioned whether Antifa could be pursued "like those in the Middle East" given their perceived status as "terrorists." Twitter responded by hiding the tweet, labeling it as a violation of their rules against glorifying violence. Gaetz, however, remained defiant, calling the label a "badge of honor" and reiterating his stance that the government should target Antifa.
June 2020: Gaetz Reveals Living with Nestor Galbán
In June 2020, Gaetz revealed that he had been living with Nestor Galbán, a 19-year-old immigrant from Cuba, since Galbán was 12, considering him as his son. He clarified that Galbán is his ex-girlfriend's brother and spends time with both families.
July 1, 2020: Ethics Office Concludes Review of Gaetz's Lease Arrangement
On July 1, 2020, the Office of Congressional Ethics concluded its review of Gaetz's office lease arrangement, which involved renting from a political supporter.
July 2020: Gaetz's Spending on Speechwriting and TV Studio Questioned
In July 2020, Gaetz's spending on speechwriting services and a television studio in his father's home was questioned for potential violations of House ethics rules.
August 2020: Greenberg Indicted on Multiple Charges, Including Sex Trafficking
Joel Greenberg was indicted in August 2020 on charges that included sex trafficking of a minor and the creation of false identification documents. This indictment would later lead to a federal investigation into Gaetz's potential involvement.
August 26, 2020: Gaetz Voices Support for Kyle Rittenhouse
On August 26, 2020, Matt Gaetz posted a tweet expressing support for Kyle Rittenhouse, a teenager who had shot three people during unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Rittenhouse's case became a focal point in debates about self-defense and the Second Amendment.
November 2020: Gaetz Advocates for Pardons
In a Fox News appearance, Gaetz suggested that Trump should pardon various individuals, including Michael Flynn and himself.
December 4, 2020: Gaetz Attends Maskless Conference Amidst COVID-19 Surge
On December 4, 2020, Gaetz attended a New York Young Republicans Club conference in Jersey City. The event, held indoors amidst surging COVID-19 cases, drew criticism from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop as attendees, including Gaetz, were seen without masks.
December 2020: Gaetz Announces Engagement to Ginger Luckey
In December 2020, Gaetz announced his engagement to Ginger Luckey, sister of Oculus VR founder and prominent Republican donor Palmer Luckey.
2020: Hutchinson Accuses Gaetz of Harassment
Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House aide, accused Gaetz of harassment during a 2020 trip to Camp David. She alleges he made unwanted advances and interrupted her meeting with Kevin McCarthy. Gaetz denied the allegations.
2020: Accusations of Sex Trafficking and Misconduct
In 2020, Matt Gaetz was accused of sex trafficking and engaging in sexual relationships with minors.
2020: Re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives
Matt Gaetz was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020.
2020: Gaetz and Greene Make False Election Fraud Claims
During their "America First Tour" in 2021, Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene repeatedly made debunked claims about fraud in the 2020 election.
2020: Gaetz Files Ethics Complaint Against Nancy Pelosi
Following the 2020 State of the Union Address, Gaetz filed an ethics complaint against Speaker Nancy Pelosi, alleging she violated decorum by ripping up her copy of the speech.
2020: Gaetz Votes Against Increasing H-2B Visas
Gaetz opposed the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, which included a provision to increase the number of H-2B visas available, demonstrating his stance on immigration.
2020: Gaetz Publishes Book "Firebrand"
Gaetz released his book titled "Firebrand" in 2020, in which he criticizes former House Speaker Paul Ryan for joining Fox News's parent company's board and blames him for the cancellation of Lou Dobbs Tonight.
January 7, 2021: Gaetz Falsely Blames Antifa for Capitol Attack
Following the January 7, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Gaetz spread false information, blaming the attack on antifa activists and attempting to deflect responsibility from Trump supporters.
January 10, 2021: McCarthy Criticizes Gaetz's Actions Regarding Capitol Riot
On January 10, 2021, Kevin McCarthy, House Republican leader, expressed concerns about Gaetz's actions related to the January 6 Capitol riot, suggesting Gaetz was endangering others.
February 2021: Ethics Complaint Filed Against Gaetz
In February 2021, an ethics watchdog group filed a complaint against Gaetz and other Republican House members for skipping votes to attend a political conference while citing COVID-19 concerns.
March 30, 2021: Reports of DOJ Investigation and Potential Career Change
On March 30, 2021, news broke that the Justice Department was investigating Matt Gaetz, with allegations including using campaign funds for relationships with young women. There were also reports that Gaetz was considering leaving Congress for a position at Newsmax.
March 31, 2021: McCarthy's Stance on Gaetz's Committee Positions
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy stated that he would consider removing Gaetz from his committee assignments if he was indicted or if the allegations against him were found to be true.
April 1, 2021: Allegations of Inappropriate Conduct with Photos
Reports surfaced that Gaetz had shown colleagues inappropriate photos on the House floor.
April 6, 2021: Reports of Pardon Request and Denial
The New York Times reported that Gaetz had requested a pardon from Trump, which was reportedly denied. Trump denied the report.
April 8, 2021: Staff Statement and Calls for Resignation
Gaetz's office released a statement, purportedly from female staff members, supporting him. However, the statement was unsigned. Representative Adam Kinzinger became the first Republican to call for Gaetz's resignation.
April 9, 2021: House Ethics Committee Launches Investigation
On April 9, 2021, the House Ethics Committee initiated an investigation into allegations against Gaetz, including sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, sharing inappropriate content, misusing state ID, campaign finance violations, and bribery.
April 2021: Greenberg Seeks Pardon, Implicates Gaetz
Reports emerged about Greenberg's attempts to secure a pardon from the Trump administration, with a confession letter implicating both himself and Gaetz in sexual activity with a minor and alleged payments for sex.
May 2021: Gaetz's Remarks on Second Amendment at "America First" Rally Draw Criticism
During an "America First" rally in May 2021, Matt Gaetz made controversial remarks about the Second Amendment, suggesting that Americans have an "obligation to use it" and referencing the possibility of an "armed rebellion against the government." His comments drew sharp criticism, with some accusing him of inciting violence, which he denied.
May 2021: Witness Cooperation
A woman who was on the Bahamas trip with Gaetz in 2018 agreed to cooperate with investigators in May 2021, potentially providing information on Gaetz's financial transactions during the trip.
May 17, 2021: Greenberg Pleads Guilty, Agrees to Cooperate
In a significant development on May 17, 2021, Joel Greenberg entered a guilty plea for multiple crimes as part of a plea bargain. This agreement obligated him to cooperate with prosecutors, potentially impacting the ongoing investigation involving Gaetz.
June 10, 2021: Gaetz Alleges Chinese Whistleblower Possesses Untapped COVID-19 Origins Information
Following a heated House committee hearing on June 10, 2021, Gaetz claimed that a Chinese whistleblower had text messages and documents regarding the origins of COVID-19 that U.S. investigators had not pursued.
June 2021: Gaetz Votes Against Honoring Capitol Police Officers
In June 2021, Gaetz was among 21 House Republicans who voted against a resolution to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6 attack.
June 2021: Gaetz Introduces Bill to Prevent Federal Funding for COVID-19 Vaccine Passports
In June 2021, Matt Gaetz introduced the Digital Health Pass Prevention Act (DHPPA). This bill, supported by Representatives Louie Gohmert and Lance Gooden, aimed to prohibit the federal government from using funds to implement, administer, enforce, or carry out any programs related to digital health passes, particularly those associated with COVID-19 vaccination status. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
June 2021: Gaetz Votes to Repeal Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq
In June 2021, Matt Gaetz voted in favor of repealing the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.
June 23, 2021: Gaetz Calls for Defunding the FBI While Under Investigation
On June 23, 2021, in the midst of an FBI investigation into allegations of sex trafficking and misconduct against him, Gaetz publicly called for the defunding of the FBI.
August 2021: Gaetz Marries Ginger Luckey
Gaetz and Ginger Luckey were married in August 2021.
August 2021: Alford Indicted for Extortion Scheme
Stephen Alford was indicted for an alleged extortion scheme targeting the Gaetz family. Prosecutors claimed Alford falsely claimed he could secure a pardon for Gaetz.
August 2021: Greenberg's Sentencing Delayed Due to Cooperation
Originally slated for August 2021, Greenberg's sentencing hearing was postponed multiple times because of his cooperation with investigations, particularly those linked to Gaetz. This delay suggested the gravity of his potential testimony.
August 2021: Gaetz Co-Sponsors Resolutions to Impeach Biden Administration Officials
Gaetz actively participated in efforts to impeach officials in the Biden administration, co-sponsoring resolutions to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas in August 2021.
October 2021: Suspension from Practicing Law
The Florida bar suspended Matt Gaetz from practicing law in October 2021 due to unpaid fees.
November 2021: Rittenhouse Acquitted, Gaetz Offers Internship
Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted of charges related to the Kenosha shootings in November 2021. Following the acquittal, Matt Gaetz was among a small group of representatives who offered Rittenhouse a congressional internship.
2021: House Ethics Committee Initiated Investigation
The House Ethics Committee had initially opened an investigation into Gaetz in 2021 but paused it to allow the DOJ to conduct its investigation.
2021: Gaetz Votes Against Condemnation of Myanmar Coup
In 2021, Matt Gaetz was one of a small number of House Republicans who voted against a measure condemning the coup d'état in Myanmar.
2021: Gaetz Launches Podcast "Firebrand"
Expanding on his political commentary, Gaetz launched his podcast, also titled "Firebrand," in 2021. This platform allowed him to further voice his opinions and engage with a wider audience.
2021: Gaetz and Greene Launch "America First Tour"
Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene embarked on a nationwide "America First Tour" in 2021, promoting unsubstantiated claims of election fraud and drawing criticism for controversial statements.
2021: Gaetz Endorses Great Replacement Theory, Attacks ADL
Gaetz publicly expressed support for the white nationalist Great Replacement theory in 2021, aligning himself with other far-right figures. He also called the Anti-Defamation League a "racist organization" for condemning the theory.
January 2022: Guilty Plea from Associate
Joseph Ellicott, an associate of Gaetz and Greenberg, pleaded guilty in January 2022 to charges related to the investigation and cooperated with authorities.
January 2022: Gaetz's Ex-Girlfriend Testifies Before Grand Jury
In January 2022, an ex-girlfriend of Gaetz's, granted immunity, provided testimony before a grand jury. Her evidence pertained to potential sex trafficking and obstruction of justice charges against Gaetz.
April 2022: McCarthy's Phone Call About Gaetz Made Public
In April 2022, a phone call from January 10, 2021, where Kevin McCarthy criticized Gaetz's actions concerning the Capitol riot was made public.
July 23, 2022: Gaetz Sparks Outrage with Comments About Women at Abortion Rights Rally
On July 23, 2022, at a Student Action Summit in Tampa, Florida, Gaetz made controversial remarks implying overweight or unattractive women were unlikely to get pregnant, mocking their support for abortion rights. His comments sparked backlash, notably from teenager Olivia Julianna, who used the incident to raise funds for abortion access.
July 26, 2022: Gaetz Opposes Bill Aimed at Preventing Human Trafficking
In July 2022, Gaetz was among a minority who opposed the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act, which aimed to combat human trafficking. The act passed with strong bipartisan support.
September 2022: Gaetz Calls for Biden Impeachment
Gaetz intensified his stance on impeaching President Biden in September 2022, labeling it a "priority" for the Republican party and asserting that failure to do so would constitute a betrayal of Republican voters.
September 2022: Prosecutors Recommend Against Charging Gaetz
Citing concerns about witness credibility, prosecutors advised against charging Gaetz in the sex trafficking investigation in September 2022. They believed securing a conviction would be challenging due to the perceived reliability of key witnesses.
September 2022: Gaetz Calls for Prioritizing Impeachment Inquiries Against Democrats
During an appearance on Steve Bannon's podcast in September 2022, Gaetz stated that if Republicans won the House of Representatives elections, they should focus on impeaching Democrats.
December 1, 2022: Greenberg Sentenced to 11 Years, Acknowledged for Cooperation
As a result of his substantial cooperation with prosecutors in various investigations, notably those concerning Gaetz, Greenberg received an 11-year prison sentence along with 10 years of supervised release on December 1, 2022.
2022: Gaetz's Ex-Girlfriend Granted Immunity, Testifies
In 2022, Gaetz's former girlfriend was granted immunity and provided testimony in the criminal investigation conducted by the DOJ.
2022: Gaetz Opposes Respect for Marriage Act
In 2022, Gaetz voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, which provided federal protection for same-sex and interracial marriages.
2022: Gaetz Plays Role in Contentious House Speaker Election
During the 2022 midterm elections, Gaetz was involved in the House Speaker election, where Kevin McCarthy faced opposition from within the Republican party.
2022: Gaetz Supports Antitrust Legislation Targeting Anti-Competitive Corporate Practices
Gaetz was among a group of Republicans who voted in favor of the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022. This bill sought to strengthen antitrust laws by cracking down on anti-competitive practices employed by large corporations.
2022: Re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives
Matt Gaetz was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022.
February 2023: Gaetz Invites Murder Suspect to Judiciary Hearing
In February 2023, Gaetz sparked controversy by inviting Corey Ryan Beekman, who was facing murder charges, to lead the pledge of allegiance at a Judiciary Committee hearing.
February 2023: DOJ Concludes Investigation, No Charges Against Gaetz
The Justice Department, in February 2023, formally communicated to Gaetz's legal team their decision to conclude the multi-year investigation without filing any charges against him. This decision effectively marked the end of the probe into allegations of misconduct.
March 2023: Gaetz Hires Convicted War Criminal as Aide
Gaetz hired Derrick Miller, a former soldier convicted of murder, as his military legislative aide in March 2023.
May 2023: Gaetz Continues to Push for Impeachment of Biden and Administration Officials
Gaetz maintained his push for impeachments into 2023, co-sponsoring resolutions by Marjorie Taylor Greene to impeach both President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas in May 2023.
June 2023: House Ethics Committee Resumes Investigation
The House Ethics Committee, which had paused its investigation into Gaetz's conduct in deference to the Justice Department's inquiry, resumed its probe in June 2023.
July 2023: House Ethics Committee Reopens Investigation into Gaetz
Following the conclusion of the DOJ's investigation, the House Ethics Committee reopened its own inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use, and other misconduct by Gaetz in July 2023. This move signaled a potential continuation of scrutiny despite the DOJ's decision.
September 2023: Gaetz Denounces Biden Impeachment Inquiry
In September 2023, during a video conference, Matt Gaetz publicly denounced the impeachment inquiry against President Biden, calling it a political stunt and expressing his belief that it lacked legitimate grounds.
October 2, 2023: Gaetz Files Resolution to Oust McCarthy as Speaker
On October 2, 2023, Gaetz filed a resolution to remove Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House, following McCarthy's negotiations with Democrats on a spending bill.
October 2023: Motion to Vacate Speaker Kevin McCarthy
In October 2023, Matt Gaetz filed a motion to vacate, leading to the removal of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
2023: Gaetz Opposes Fiscal Responsibility Act
Matt Gaetz was among the House Republicans who voted against the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.
2023: Gaetz Supports Removal of US Troops from Syria and Aid to Israel
In 2023, Matt Gaetz was among the Republicans who voted in favor of a resolution (H.Con.Res. 21) that aimed to direct President Biden to withdraw US troops from Syria within 180 days. He also voted to provide support to Israel following the Hamas attack on Israel in the same year.
March 2024: Niger Ends Security Relationship with the United States
Niger announced the termination of its security relationship with the United States in March 2024. This relationship had been in effect since 2012.
April 2024: McCarthy Accuses Gaetz of Filing Ouster Motion for Self-Preservation
In April 2024, Kevin McCarthy alleged that Gaetz's October 2023 resolution to oust him as Speaker was a tactic to deflect attention from allegations against Gaetz of sexual misconduct.
April 2024: Gaetz Votes Against Military Aid Package for Ukraine
Matt Gaetz voted against a $60 billion military aid package intended for Ukraine in April 2024, despite a significant portion of the funds being designated for his constituency.