Former Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz is set to make his return to the political spotlight, this time as a host on One America News Network (OANN). The controversial network, known for its unwavering support of Donald Trump and its contentious coverage of the 2020 election, has announced that Gaetz will begin hosting a nightly political talk show, The Matt Gaetz Show, starting in January 2025.
The hour-long program will air at 9 p.m. ET and will feature Gaetz providing political commentary, likely reflecting his combative style that helped cement his alliance with Trump. Additionally, Gaetz will co-host a weekly video podcast with OANN's Dan Ball, targeting younger audiences, particularly millennials and Gen Z, with a focus on bringing a fresh approach to political discussions.
Gaetz’s hiring follows a turbulent exit from Congress, marked by ongoing investigations and allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and misuse of campaign funds. While no charges were brought against him following a Department of Justice inquiry, these issues have dogged his political career. The House Ethics Committee had been investigating these allegations but was stymied when Gaetz resigned from Congress, asserting that the committee could not continue its work on a former member. The investigation was further complicated when the House voted against the release of its findings.
OANN, which has gained notoriety for promoting baseless claims about the 2020 election results, appears to be doubling down on its controversial stance. The network’s president, Charles Herring, praised Gaetz as a "principled leader" who will bring “insider access” and “America-first values” to its programming. Gaetz's new show is expected to further the network's strategy of providing a platform for Trump-aligned voices.
In addition to his television career, Gaetz is still active on the video-sharing platform Cameo, where he offers custom holiday videos for $400. Speculation continues to swirl around his political future, with reports indicating that Gaetz has formed a political action committee named Florida Firebrand Pac, fueling rumors of potential statewide ambitions.
OANN, which has recently expanded its international reach to over 160 million households in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, sees Gaetz as a key figure to strengthen its appeal to a broader audience. As the political landscape evolves, Gaetz’s new role at OANN represents a significant move as he continues to shape his post-Congress career.
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