Matt Gaetz, the former Florida congressman known for his polarizing persona, is making headlines again, but this time for all the wrong reasons. Just days after withdrawing his name from consideration for the role of attorney general under President-elect Donald Trump, Gaetz has turned to Cameo—a platform where fans can purchase personalized video messages from celebrities—to generate income. Charging $550 per video, he’s been recording everything from holiday greetings to career advice for eager customers who don't seem to mind his controversial past.
Gaetz’s venture onto Cameo follows his abrupt exit from the attorney general race, which many viewed as conventional wisdom amid the growing scrutiny surrounding his alleged past misdeeds. These allegations, which include claims of sexual misconduct and misconduct related to drug use, have haunted him for over two years, leading to investigations by both federal authorities and the House Ethics Committee. While the federal probe concluded without charges, the ethical inquiry was reaching its final stages when Gaetz's resignation effectively put it to rest by removing him from the jurisdiction of the committee.
Matt's move to Cameo isn’t just about boosting his income; it serves as his way of staying relevant. Once briefed as one of Trump’s most loyal allies, Gaetz now finds himself potentially out of the political sphere looming large with threats over the allegations previously mentioned. On Cameo, Gaetz engages with fans directly, employing his charismatic charm as he films videos where he sends congratulations or well-wishes. This isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about survival, as noted by industry observers who see Cameo as both a refuge and revenue booster for disgraced celebrities wanting to maintain some control over their narrative.
After stepping back from the political spotlight, Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during an interview on "Real America's Voice"—a popular news and commentary outlet—that he had no plans to return to the next Congress. "I do not intend to join the 119th Congress," he declared. Instead, he expressed excitement for newer candidates stepping up to represent Florida and hinted at pursuing other goals beyond politics—perhaps signaling the end of his long tenure as one of Congress's most controversial figures.
Before his withdrawal from the attorney general candidacy, Gaetz had claimed he was close to securing Senate confirmation, asserting via social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) he had held "excellent meetings" with senators. Reflecting on the situation, he suggested his confirmation was becoming more distracting than it was worth, citing concerns over the public saga overshadowing more significant Trump administration goals. "There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle," Gaetz said.
Yet, it seems the winds of change have been blowing nearly directly against him. Rep. Mike Lawler of New York, another figure within the GOP who often challenged Gaetz, publicly celebrated Gaetz’s exit using social media memes and statements like, “Justice has been served.” His tweet featured imagery connected to Kevin McCarthy, the former Speaker of the House whom Gaetz had long feuded with, indicating there’s still strong sentiment against him from within Republican ranks. Lawler’s commentary reflects the larger narrative within the part of GOP members who have grown wary of Gaetz’s tactics and exaggerated bravado.
Interestingly, the power dynamics within the House have shifted drastically with the resignation of McCarthy, whose elimination only leaves Gaetz's own ambitions... well, up for grabs. Transitioning from once being seen as Trump's right-hand man to someone struggling to gain support showcases the tumultuous road Gaetz finds himself traveling. Though Trump has expressed disappointment over Gaetz's inability to gain Senate confirmation, he has swiftly pivoted, nominating former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi for the position instead.
The narrative taking shape is one colored by betrayal, infighting, and the consequences of public trust. Gaetz’s electoral career might not be over yet, as he contemplates the future; he’s hinted at pursuing other avenues where he might still have a voice, albeit not necessarily within Congress. Those close to him have suggested he already has ambitions for other lucrative life ventures even beyond Cameo.
For now, each Cameo video Gaetz records might serve as both catharsis and livelihood, allowing him to maintain engagement with his supporters—that is, the ones who are still backing him—while attempting to navigate through what is undeniably a complicated period of personal and political reckoning. It’s the arduous balance of keeping his influence alive, even as traditional political routes seem increasingly barred.
At this point, the political future of Matt Gaetz remains uncertain. While the glory days of his congressional stardom linger as images on social media, the recent events underline the quote often attributed to him: “You can’t manage what you can’t measure.” His forays on Cameo are measurable, but they’re also emblematic of the lengths one might go to stay afloat amid controversy. Only time will tell if Gaetz will find new political wind, or if he’ll settle for simply being the face of brief video messages going forward.
