Matt Gaetz for President? Beleaguered Congressman Promises to Run If Trump Doesn't
Is Donald Trump going to pass the baton to Matt Gaetz?
Gaetz certainly hopes so. On Wednesday the beleaguered Florida congressman, under investigation for sex trafficking, told the New York Post that if Trump chooses not to run for President in 2024, Gaetz is willing to take his place.
"I support Donald Trump for president. I've directly encouraged him to run and he gives me every indication he will," the Florida Republican texted The Post Wednesday. "If Trump doesn't run, I'm sure I could defeat whatever remains of Joe Biden by 2024."
Gaetz has yet to set up a Presidential exploratory committee as most candidates do. He has, nonetheless, become one of the best-known Republicans due to his unwavering support of Trump and the reports that he "is facing a�federal investigation�into allegations of sex trafficking of a minor, a sexual relationship with a minor and potential public corruption in addition to a Congressional Ethics investigation," wrote the Post.
He may not have made many friends on Capitol Hill since arriving there in 2018, but he joins Marjorie Taylor Greene as one of the best-known Trump advocates. He solidified his place with the Trump base by traveling to Wyoming in January to speak out against Rep. Liz Cheney, who has become the avatar for anti-Trump forces in Washington. He has recently went out with Greene on what they call their "America First Tour" to raise money and their profile amongst Trump supporters.
"Gaetz — who has more rallies in the works — is also slated to be the keynote speaker at the Nashua GOP "steak out" in New Hampshire, an early primary state and key swing state, in August," added the Post. The publication went on to say that Gaetz's place in the race could be beneficial for another Florida Republican Trump fan who is hinting on entering the race — Governor Ron DeSantis. "He [DeSantis] might like someone else on the debate stage who can torch his opponents and lay down ground cover for him," the source told the Post, adding that Gaetz "clearly been vetted and smeared like a presidential candidate."�