He spreads conspiracy theories, is anti-abortion and against same-sex marriage: Matt Gaetz. Now he has ensured that the chairman of the House of Representatives loses his job.
This is unprecedented in American history: The powerful Republican chairman of the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, was driven out of office because of a dispute over the budget – by eight radical party colleagues. The driving force of the internal revolt was Matt Gaetz, an ardent supporter of former President Donald Trump. Who is the representative from the US state of Florida?
The 41-year-old lawyer is one of the Republican hardliners in the House of Representatives, where he has sat since 2017. Gaetz comes from a politically active family: his father also sat for the Republicans in the Senate in Florida.#
Loyal supporter of Trump
Gaetz has been one of the right-wing populist radicals within his Republican faction for years and has been a loyal supporter of Trump. Gaetz represents right-wing positions and regularly spreads conspiracy theories. He is an opponent of abortion, rejects same-sex marriage and opposes aid for Ukraine, which is attacked by Russia. After Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, Gaetz blamed “Antifa” (anti-fascist groups) for the violence.
Gaetz repeatedly appears at right-wing events within his party – for example at CPAC, which is now a gathering place for right-wing nationalists, conspiracy theorists and the religious right. He is a regular guest on former Trump strategist Steve Bannon’s podcast.
At the beginning of the year, Gaetz was one of the rebels who refused to support McCarthy in the election for chairman of the House of Representatives. Back then, nerves were so frayed that there was even a scuffle between two Republicans because Gaetz let McCarthy run.
Gaetz is married. He was investigated for years on suspicion that he had had sex with a minor – but the Ministry of Justice ultimately did not press charges. Gaetz denied any wrongdoing. Various allegations against Gaetz have also brought the House of Representatives Ethics Committee into action.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
