Congressman Matt Gaetz somehow thinks being associated with a federal sex trafficking investigation is the perfect time for a fundraising email blast.
Today, he sent out an email to his supporters bemoaning his current situation. In case you’ve forgotten, Gaetz is allegedly under investigation for having sex with a minor and paying for sex with women of legal age, allegations he denies.
Gaetz may try to dismiss the investigation as another “witch hunt,” but it appears he had some sort of premonition earlier this year that things would go south for him. The New York Times reports Gaetz asked the White House for pre-emptive pardons for him and other congressional allies for any crimes they may have committed.
“It was unclear whether Mr. Gaetz or the White House knew at the time about the inquiry, or who else he sought pardons for. Mr. Gaetz did not tell White House aides that he was under investigation for potential sex trafficking violations when he made the request. But top White House lawyers and officials viewed the request for a pre-emptive pardon as a nonstarter that would set a bad precedent, the people said.”
The pardon request went nowhere, and now former president Trump has apparently abandoned the guy who was one of his most ardent supporters. It’s not just Trump, either.
The accusations against Gaetz are serious enough that his top spokesperson quit, and most every Republican has conveniently forgotten Gaetz’s number. According to Politico, Gaetz’s own aides went behind his back and trashed the lawmaker in messages sent to other republicans.
Despite becoming persona non grata on both sides of the aisle as the scandal unfolds, Gaetz continues take a combative stance. He penned an op-ed proclaiming his innocence and declaring he will not resign. Instead of taking a low profile as the investigation continues — and these are very serious charges he’s potentially facing — he’s doing the opposite. He even booked an appearance this weekend at the Trump National Doral resort in Miami for a pro-Trump women’s event.