A turd by any other name...

Welcome to the Gaetz show

By OLIVIA BEAVERS

WELCOME TO THE GAETZ SHOW: Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) isn’t acting like a guy who’s guilty of sex trafficking a minor. Rather than laying low in light of a federal investigation, he’s touring the nation with fellow firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who’s embroiled in yet another controversy (move over, Jewish space lasers, it’s time to talk about the Holocaust). The two will headline another one of their pro-Trump events tomorrow, this time in Dalton, Ga. Who knows what they’ll say… but here’s what to expect from The Matt Gaetz Show:

Gaetz is filling the void left by Donald Trump being booted off Twitter. Hundreds, if not thousands, came to see the two in Florida, Ohio and Arizona, eager to see the most controversial House Republicans go off on lawmakers who have been critical of Trump. Gaetz isn’t avoiding votes in the House, nor is he passing up the chance to swipe at reporters or tout his friendships (including with those who have sought to distance themselves). He’s still openly marketing himself as a man fighting back against the “Deep State,” a message that resonates with a base deeply skeptical of the news media and the Justice Department.

Gaetz for president? That’s right. He’s floating it. Several Republicans I’ve spoken to haven’t gone that far, but they’ve pointed out Gaetz will grow stronger if A) he isn’t ultimately charged or B) he is charged but isn’t convicted, giving him a clear opportunity to blast it all as a “witch hunt” that failed to burn the witch. A more emboldened Gaetz... whatever would that look like?

Insiders familiar with the investigation of Gaetz say that if July passes without an indictment, Gaetz will be more likely to survive without charges. Gaetz is being investigated for a litany of illegal acts, including sex-trafficking a minor, all of which he denies. His estranged “wingman,” Joel Greenberg, pleaded guilty last week to six federal charges, including sex-trafficking a 17-year-old. Talk about a problematic witness.

Then there’s Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend, a former Capitol Hill intern in another office, who would like an immunity deal from the feds in return for her testimony. She has told friends that Gaetz committed no sex crimes. CNN reported last week that the feds have “secured” her cooperation, but informed sources tell us that isn’t true. “It’s wrong at worst and premature at best,” said one. The victim of Greenberg’s sex-trafficking count appears to be talking with prosecutors.

This is not a slam dunk case. Attorney General Merrick Garland could have the final say, if the case gets to his desk. And the feds often avoid bringing cases they think they will lose.

Even if he’s never charged or if he’s acquitted, Gaetz’s name will always appear in Google searches with sex trafficking a minor. But as long as the congressman has a say and a following, The Gaetz Show will counterprogram as best he can. What’s beyond dispute is that he found a way to capitalize on an investigation that would’ve made many pols slink away into early retirement. It’s a playbook we are seeing more and more.