Matt Gaetz Launches Career On Cameo After Political Setback
Once touted as the potential next U.S. Attorney General under President-elect Donald Trump, Matt Gaetz has embarked on an unexpected career path in the entertainment industry.
According to the New York Post, the former Florida congressman has joined the celebrity video platform, Cameo, charging $525 per personalized message following his withdrawal from consideration as Trump's Attorney General nominee.
Gaetz's venture into the digital entertainment sphere comes after his recent departure from Congress and subsequent AG nomination withdrawal. His wife has publicly described him as "unemployed," though the 42-year-old Republican appears to be making the most of his newfound celebrity status on the platform.
Former Congressman Transitions to Digital Entertainment
The platform allows users to request personalized video messages from celebrities and public figures for a fee. Gaetz has maintained a five-star rating on Cameo, where he frequently references his brief consideration for the Attorney General position.
His messaging style combines political commentary with light-hearted banter, often joking about his former aspirations.
In one of his video messages, Gaetz playfully addressed his brief AG nomination, stating he wouldn't be able to order Predator drone strikes on his enemies, though he later clarified that such powers weren't actually within an Attorney General's authority. His transition to Cameo follows a similar path taken by former Representative George Santos, who also joined the platform after his congressional departure.
The move comes after Gaetz won re-election on November 5 but chose not to take his seat in the 119th Congress. His decision followed the controversial period where he led the campaign to remove former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in fall 2023.
Political Challenges and Ethics Investigations Surface
Gaetz's withdrawal from the Attorney General nomination came amid resurging concerns about previous allegations and investigations.
The Justice Department had previously conducted and concluded a sex-trafficking investigation into the former congressman. However, the House Committee on Ethics remained actively involved in investigating various accusations against him.
Two women have come forward with allegations of payment for sexual encounters, while a third woman reportedly claimed an incident occurred when she was a minor at a July 2017 house party.
Orlando attorney Joel Leppard, representing a witness in the case, provided testimony to the House Committee on Ethics regarding these allegations.
The ethics committee reached a deadlock last week regarding the release of their investigative report. These ongoing controversies contributed significantly to the skepticism expressed by several Republican senators about his potential confirmation as Attorney General.
Future Political Aspirations Remain Uncertain
Despite his current focus on Cameo, Gaetz has hinted at potential future political endeavors. He has expressed interest in possibly running for Florida governor in 2026 when current Republican Governor Ron DeSantis reaches his term limit.
His cryptic statement about fighting "from a new perch" suggests he hasn't completely abandoned his political ambitions.
In his Cameo videos, Gaetz has maintained a connection to current political developments. He referenced Trump's selection of Pam Bondi as the alternative AG nominee, expressing support for the choice despite his own withdrawal from consideration. His ability to blend political commentary with entertainment has seemingly found an audience on the platform.
Current Status and Public Response
Matt Gaetz offered this statement about his current situation:
Now listen, I may not be the Attorney General, the most powerful law enforcement officer in the land — for now. We actually got a great one in Pam Bondi. And so I can't — like — order Predator strikes on my enemies, as much as I would like to. For now. But I can order you to have as much fun as possible.
Shifting Dynamics in Political Sphere
Matt Gaetz, the former Florida congressman and briefly nominated Attorney General candidate under President-elect Trump, has established a presence on the celebrity video platform Cameo, charging $525 per personalized message. His transition from Congress to digital entertainment follows controversies surrounding his AG nomination withdrawal and ongoing ethics investigations.
The former representative continues to maintain political relevancy while exploring new ventures, hinting at possible future political ambitions including a potential run for Florida governor in 2026. Meanwhile, he engages with his audience through personalized video messages, blending political commentary with entertainment on the Cameo platform.