Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz Considering Giving Up Congress for Newsmax Gig: Report

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Firebrand Florida Republican representative Matt Gaetz is reportedly considering leaving Congress to join right-wing network Newsmax, according to an Axios report Tuesday.

Three sources with direct knowledge told Axios that Gaetz has “privately told confidants he’s seriously considering not seeking re-election and possible leaving Congress early for a job at Newsmax.”

According to the report, Gaetz has told some of his allies he is “interested in becoming a media personality,” (albeit one who has made some questionable choices while on live TV), and indicated that he would take a role at Newsmax.

“One of the sources said Gaetz has had early conversations with the network about what a position could look like,” the story also said.

The Axios report said that Gaetz has previously considered running for higher office, and noted that “a prominent spot in the media could give Gaetz a platform for a future national political role.”

Gaetz has been an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump and has gone after those seen as not loyal enough to the former president. He has also perpetuated baseless claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election, and claimed that the Jan. 6 attack by Trump supporters on the U.S. Capitol was actually led by “Antifa.”

Since Fox News called Arizona on election night for President Joe Biden – a move that was both accurate and infuriating to Trump and his supporters – some viewers turned to Newsmax. The far-right network has grown in popularity among Republican viewers, although ratings seem to have normalized since January, after a spike in December 2020.

When asked for comment, a Newsmax representative told Mediaite that the network does not comment on possible talent discussions or plans.