Staff Reports
Matt Gaetz is officially out of the congressional playground, and it looks like he’s heading into the world of political commentary instead of swinging back into leadership. Gaetz, the fiery Republican from Florida known for stirring the pot, resigned after President Trump gave him a shot at becoming the Attorney General. The news sent shockwaves through D.C., as people collectively held their breath, anticipating the shutdown of a few notorious bad apples at the Department of Justice. However, the dream quickly fizzled when it turned out that a handful of GOP senators weren’t ready to board the Gaetz train. Consequently, he gracefully stepped away from the nomination process and waved goodbye to his congressional career.
Now, what’s next for the former congressman? He’s not just collecting his government pension and binge-watching the latest series on Netflix. No, Gaetz is stepping into the spotlight on One America News Network (OAN) with his own hour-long talk show. It’s being marketed as a “mega MAGA investment,” airing weeknights at 9 p.m., which could make for an excellent alternative to staring blankly at mainstream media’s droning narrative. OAN touted Gaetz as a “powerhouse,” and those who know him understand he’s about as subtle as a sledgehammer—perfect for the current political climate.
What’s more, Gaetz isn’t stopping at just one show. He’s set to co-host a video podcast alongside Dan Ball, the charismatic host of “Real America with Dan Ball.” The podcast is positioned to deliver “unfiltered conversations” aimed at the younger crowd—Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X. This is a smart move, considering the younger generations are craving voices that break away from the canned, scripted commentary that so often fills the cable news landscape.
Matt Gaetz's Next Move Announced https://t.co/BgtoPjqw7L
— Diane Lange (@DclareDiane) December 11, 2024
Gaetz’s endorsement of OAN as a platform that embraces modern touching points like streaming and podcasts demonstrates a keen understanding of where the audience is headed. Just as Trump did in his own campaigns, using alternative media sources to engage voters, Gaetz intends to ride the wave of digital conversation to get his message out there. The transition to media also symbolizes a shift in how conservative voices may reclaim their influence outside of traditional politics.
Despite facing some ethical scrutiny—despite Congress sitting on a report full of juicy allegations—Gaetz continues to confidently push forward. He has fervently denied the various leaking smears against him, which raises eyebrows but also fuels the narrative of the political outsider fighting against a biased system. As Gaetz steps into the bright lights of OAN, it will certainly be interesting to see how he turns the heat up across the media landscape—and just how much uproar he can bring to the ever-stagnant swamp.
