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To grasp the current disarray within both political parties, you might consider an unexpected figure: Matt Gaetz, the controversial former House member and unsuccessful candidate for the position of Donald Trump’s Attorney General.
Recent reports from various media sources indicated that the House Ethics Committee is set to unveil its findings regarding Gaetz in the near future. Remember, Gaetz stepped down from his congressional role in November, just hours before the ethics committee was to release an investigation that raised serious concerns about his behavior involving minors, money, drugs, and inappropriate discussions. These allegations were instrumental in his decision to withdraw from the race for the nation’s top law enforcement position.
In response, Gaetz issued a detailed statement asserting his innocence against what he termed unfounded allegations, deflecting attention to his fellow party members. “My 30s were a period of hard work and hard partying,” he posted on X. “While I may have indulged more than I should have, that’s not a crime. At least I didn’t support spending bills that harm our country!” Even from a distance, he continues to complicate efforts to pass a crucial continuing resolution aimed at keeping the government operational.
It remains uncertain whether the impending release of the report will alter Gaetz’s standing within the political landscape. Last week, One America News Network announced that he would be hosting a nightly talk show on its fiercely pro-Trump platform. While it lags in viewership behind Fox News and Newsmax, it holds significant influence among Trump loyalists, including Trump himself, who often promotes its conspiracy-laden content.
Adding to the intrigue, Politico revealed that Gaetz is in discussions to join a prominent personal-injury law firm led by a major Democratic donor known for vocal criticism of President Biden’s re-election efforts.
The fact that such contrasting organizations see potential in Gaetz is telling, especially given that the allegations against him have been widely known for years.
Much like Trump, Gaetz seems to believe he can simply dismiss the allegations without repercussions. His resignation from Congress may have temporarily shielded him from scrutiny, but the House ethics committee eventually chose to act, possibly signaling a desire to end the culture of impunity surrounding figures like Gaetz.
Despite everything, Gaetz could very well represent the next phase of the Republican Party as it navigates a post-Trump landscape.
Moreover, some believe that Gaetz possesses political talents that could be leveraged by Democrats for their advantage.
Both perspectives could hold merit, or they may be overstated. Nevertheless, the serious consideration of these ideas highlights the considerable uncertainty both major parties face today. This uncertainty is prompting lobbyists along K Street to broaden their networks this holiday season, just in case their assumptions prove misguided. Consulting firms are also hedging their bets by hiring both traditional GOP players and MAGA supporters, while retaining their Democratic connections for the time being.
The Republicans regained power last month largely due to Trump and his wealthy allies, including Elon Musk. The GOP is poised to control the White House, the Senate, and a slim majority in the House—one that could shrink further if Trump succeeds in placing loyalists in key national security and diplomatic positions. Addressing Trump’s influence, House Speaker Mike Johnson quipped, “Enough already,” about Trump’s attempts to consolidate power within his fragile caucus.
Democrats are resisting any claims of a Republican mandate heading into next year. However, unlike eight years ago when grassroots activists coalesced into The Resistance, there is no similar movement emerging now. In fact, the Democratic base appears rather defeated, which could explain why high-profile donor John Morgan, claiming his law firm is the largest personal-injury practice in the nation, is interested in recruiting Gaetz.
The political landscape is so unpredictable right now that almost anything seems possible. Trump’s final push for power raises questions about whether his movement will endure beyond him. The Reagan Revolution faded after his departure, and there was little enthusiasm within the GOP for a post-presidency role for either Bush 41 or 43. Although Trump managed to reclaim influence, it remains unclear if anyone in the MAGA sphere can replicate his fervor—be it Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, Don Jr., or anyone else.
On the Democratic side, it’s equally murky. Biden’s potential exit and Kamala Harris’s recent setbacks leave a significant void regarding the party’s direction. Biden has all but retreated from the political discourse in Washington as he and his team count down their remaining days in office. Meanwhile, Harris has begun to lay the foundation for her next steps, encouraging supporters two weeks ago at her Washington residence with statements like, “We do not let anything defeat us” and “We are not having a pity party.” Discussions about the future of the Democratic National Committee and its affiliated organizations are intensifying. However, there’s not much enthusiasm surrounding figures like Barack Obama or the Clintons, and an ex-Democratic House member with controversial views is poised to take on a significant role in the Trump Administration. Morgan, the major Democratic donor who wants to hire Gaetz, claims Harris’s time in politics is over.
Can you see the chaos unfolding?
The fact that Gaetz—a provocateur who challenges the establishment in both parties—is considered a potential anchor in these turbulent times is significant. Republicans may view him as a loyalist who nearly became a leader in a legal crusade against Trump’s adversaries, while Democrats justifiably regard him as a disgraced public figure. Both perceptions can coexist, and the public may soon largely view him as an unconvicted criminal, depending on the revelations from the ethics committee.
On December 12, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska raised concerns from within the GOP’s remaining faction of MAGA supporters, stating, “I don’t think I’ve made any secret of the fact that I’m more of a Ronald Reagan Republican than I am a Trump Republican.” While she is not a supporter of Gaetz, she is still considering some of Trump’s controversial nominees, such as the “compromised” former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and the accused sexual assaulter Pete Hegseth. Aware of potential backlash from her right flank, Murkowski embraced her identity as a political survivor and a steady voice against mob mentality, saying, “You can call me whatever you want to call me.”
What else might people label her? A reliable barometer, perhaps even an early warning system. She may be foreseeing how loyalty to Trump’s choices—Gaetz leading the pack—will impact their treatment within the party. “We’re getting a preview of what it means to be loyal to [the] party, and I don’t think that will benefit us as Republicans,” Murkowski warned. “I believe it will energize and galvanize the Democrats.” This is why Democrats are at least intrigued by how someone like Gaetz can navigate multiple factions simultaneously.
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