Matt Gaetz
Matt Gaetz is an American politician and lawyer from Florida who served in the U.S.
Matt Gaetz is an American politician and lawyer from Florida who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2017 to 2025. A Republican, he became a prominent far-right and pro-Donald Trump figure and played a key role in the 2023 removal of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Early life and education
Matt Gaetz was born in Hollywood, Florida, and grew up in the Florida Panhandle. He earned a degree from Florida State University and a law degree from William & Mary Law School.
Florida politics and Congress
Before serving in Congress, Gaetz was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2010 to 2016. He was elected to the U.S. House in 2016 and won re-election several times before resigning in 2025.
Political profile
Gaetz is a Republican and has been described as a libertarian populist and a far-right politician. He became one of Donald Trump's most outspoken allies in Congress.
House leadership fight and national profile
Gaetz gained national attention in 2023 when he filed the motion to vacate that led to Kevin McCarthy's removal as Speaker of the House. He also drew attention during Trump's 2024 transition after being nominated, then withdrawing, for attorney general.
Media work
After leaving Congress, Gaetz began hosting The Matt Gaetz Show on One America News Network in 2025.
Key facts
- Gaetz was first elected to the U.S. House in 2016 and represented Florida's 1st congressional district.
- He is known as a strong supporter of Donald Trump and for his hard-right political positions.
- In October 2023, he filed the motion that led to Kevin McCarthy's removal as House speaker.
- Gaetz resigned from the House in January 2025 after being nominated, then withdrawing, as Donald Trump's choice for U.S. attorney general.
- He began hosting a political talk show on One America News Network in 2025.
Canadian readers may encounter Gaetz in coverage of U.S. politics, especially debates about Donald Trump, congressional leadership, and American conservative media.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Matt Gaetz?
What is Matt Gaetz known for?
What offices has Matt Gaetz held?
Did Matt Gaetz become U.S. attorney general?
What does Matt Gaetz do now?
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Matt-GaetzSupports: Birth date, birthplace, profession, congressional service, Trump alliance, attorney general nomination and withdrawal.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_GaetzSupports: Congressional elections, Florida district details, motion to vacate against Kevin McCarthy, and media hosting role.
- Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives — https://clerk.house.gov/members/G000578Supports: House service and resignation date.
- U.S. Congress — https://www.congress.gov/member/matt-gaetz/G000578Supports: Party affiliation and congressional service dates.
- Florida House of Representatives — https://www.flhouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4478&LegislativeTermId=84Supports: Service in the Florida House of Representatives and district.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56608178Supports: Florida background, Florida legislature service, and public allegations reported about him.