Probed by multiple investigative bodies, abandoned by staff, and reportedly double-crossed by a longtime co-conspirator, Matt Gaetz has retreated to a safe space: a Trump owned resort.
On Friday night, the embattled GOP congressman and Trump die-hard spoke at the “Save America Summit,” a four-day conference at the Trump National Doral Miami. The event, which features a menagerie of right-wing politicians and conspiracy theorists, was organized by Women for America First. That same group put together the infamous January 6th rally that preceded the deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol.
“I’m built for the battle, and I’m not going anywhere,” Gaetz told the crowd. He said the reported allegations against him – which include sex trafficking and having sex with an underage girl – are “wild conspiracy theories” peddled by a “deep state” that is trying to stop his pursuit of the “truth.”
Gaetz has not been charged with a crime, but is the subject of an FBI inquiry and a House Ethics Committee investigation. A lawyer for Joel Greenberg, a Gaetz associate and another target of the same FBI probe, says his client plans to plead guilty to sex trafficking charges. “I’m sure Matt Gaetz is not feeling very comfortable today,” the lawyer added.
Earlier this week, The Daily Beast uncovered a paper trail – via the payment app Venmo – that suggests Gaetz sent money to Greenberg who then paid women for sex.
Two staffers have recently resigned from their posts in Gaetz’s office. CNN reported that congressional colleagues have long felt uncomfortable with Gaetz’s lewd behavior, including his penchant for sharing nude photos of his sexual partners.
“I won’t be intimidated by the lying media,” Gaetz said at the Save America Summit.
He pointed to recent support from Donald Trump and House colleagues Jim Jordan and Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Gaetz appeared on stage with his new fiancée. Before he spoke, he kissed her, held her hand, and promised, “I love you with all my heart. And I can assure you, the best is indeed yet to come.”
In his 17-minute speech, Gaetz highlighted the importance of “patriotic women” in his life. On Thursday, his office released a fiery statement defending Gaetz, saying he always treated women with the “utmost professionalism and respect.” The statement was attributed to the “The Women of the Office of U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz.” No specific names were given.
