Ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz is bouncing back with a new gig as a primetime TV anchor on the right-wing One America News network.
The former Florida lawmaker, whose nomination for attorney general imploded in scandal last month, will host what OAN describes as a must-watch conservative political talk show at 9 pm.. weeknights on the fringe network known for promoting conspiracy theories.
“OAN is blazing a trail in media, embracing not just traditional news but the platforms where Americans are going—streaming, apps, podcasts, and social media,” Gaetz said in a statement. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to join OAN’s forward-thinking team and be part of this revolutionary expansion.”
The network called Gaetz a “dynamic and timely addition to OAN’s team.”
Gaetz, 42, won reelection to a fifth term from his deep-red panhandle district in November but stepped down from the post on the same day that President-elect Trump surprisingly tapped him to be attorney general.
The sudden resignation appeared to be a ploy to short-circuit the imminent release of a damning report from the House Ethics Committee detailing allegations of sex with paid escorts at drug-fueled parties. A young woman reportedly told the panel that she had sex with Gaetz at least twice when she was underage.
Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration for AG days later after several Republican senators said they couldn’t support his confirmation. Trump quickly replaced him with ex-Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, a more conventional pick.
The Republican-led committee has since shelved the Gaetz report, citing policies that limit its jurisdiction to sitting members of Congress.
Hiring Gaetz could be a win for the far-right wing network as it looks to raise its profile.
The network has struggled to convince media companies to carry it and suffered a big blow when it was dropped by DirecTV in 2022.
It regularly devotes airtime to baseless pro-Trump conspiracy theories like those claiming President Biden rigged the 2020 election and backing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
