Matt Gaetz’s own dad admitted he was surprised by President-elect Donald Trump’s shock decision to tap the now-former Florida congressman as his attorney general.
Don Gaetz — a Florida state Senator affectionately known as “Papa Gaetz” — told Politico that he and his wife “really had no prior warning” before the news of their son’s nomination dropped last week, insisting they only found out when “Matt called us and said that the president just offered me the attorney generalship.”
“I think it’s fair to say Matt was not seeking the job,” the elder Gaetz, 76, said.
News of Gaetz’s AG nomination to serve as the nation’s top law enforcement official sparked widespread criticism on both sides of the political aisle last week — with some adamant that he wouldn’t even get confirmed.
Still, Gaetz resigned from the House “effective immediately” in the wake of Trump’s announcement — bringing an end to a House Ethics Committee’s ongoing probe into allegations Gaetz was part of a scheme that led to the sex-trafficking of a 17-year-old girl.
His father, however, dismissed Gaetz’s checkered history, telling the outlet: “Matt has been investigated by the House Ethics Committee, the Department of Justice, the Federal Elections Commission and probably the Rotary Club.”
“He’s been investigated by everyone for more than two years and there’s never been any reason to be charged with anything and he’s denied all these fraudulent politically motivated allegations,” Don added.
The elder Gaetz, a longtime political powerbroker in Florida who was just elected to a state Senate seat, said he was confident his son could withstand a controversial confirmation battle once Trump is back in the White House.
“Confirmation is always a dice roll,” Don said. “Some people are more natural at confirmation. Typically a sitting senator finds it easier to be confirmed. Someone who is way outside may find it harder.
“Matt is a guy who has always looked for an opportunity to be an advocate for the issues he cares about. He’s been a strong supporter of the president … and a harsh critic of the Biden-Harris administration,” he continued.
Speaking about his own return to the Florida Senate and the timing of his son’s nomination, Don said: “With Matt, at least I have someone in Washington on speed dial.”
