Hello, Friends —
I traveled to Manhattan on Wednesday to stand with President Trump as he is forced to endure one of the most egregious forms of political persecution our country has ever seen. The alleged “crime” by President Trump is made up—no other American would be charged with this type of crime.
While at the courthouse to support President Trump, I watched Michael Cohen get dog walked through the series of lies he has told and continues to tell. This came on the heels of a Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government hearing the previous day, where I questioned Mr. Cohen’s former lawyer, Robert Costello, regarding Mr. Cohen’s past perjury and habitual lying. Mr. Costello flat out agreed that Mr. Cohen is one of the most perpetual liars he has ever known. There is no branch of government that he has not lied to—he has lied to investigators, judges, and Congress, all of which was done for his own personal gain. This liar should not be able to hold our elections hostage.
Making matters worse, the judge in the case, Juan Merchan, is nothing but a corrupt political hack. As he presides over this trial, his family is making hundreds of thousands of dollars off Democratic politics that continue to gaslight the country that there is some crime committed by President Trump.
I call upon all my House Republican colleagues to stand up against this legal quackery. I stand with President Trump, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure he is given a fair shake!
To view my speech outside the Manhattan courtroom, click here. Additionally, to watch me speak on Fox News’ “Hannity” about President Trump’s trial, click here, and to view my questioning of Robert Costello, click here.
REP. GAETZ DEMANDS OVERSIGHT INTO REPORTS OF RACIST DEI PROGRAMS AT THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
On Tuesday, I sent letters to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough following a report of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) “support groups” at the department that exclude white American veterans.
On May 13th, the Washington Free Beacon outlined a number of examples of VA-sponsored “support groups” throughout the country that exclude white American veterans from participation, which is in violation of the law and the Constitution. Accordingly, the letter to Secretary McDonough requests information be provided to me regarding these so-called “support groups” at the VA. Furthermore, my letter to Chairman Bost requests congressional oversight into this shocking revelation.
To read my press release, click here.
REP. GAETZ SPEAKS WITH FLORIDA BUSINESS LEADERS
I met with a coalition of Florida business leaders on Wednesday and spoke on the various ways the State of Florida is leading the nation. Florida business leaders have played an incredibly impactful role in the success of our state, making contributions that have improved Floridians’ way of life. Through their efforts, they have helped make Florida an example for the rest of the country.
REP. GAETZ MEETS WITH FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT RICHARD MCCULLOUGH
This week, I had the opportunity to meet with Florida State University President Richard McCullough and discuss the university’s progress in the development of cutting-edge technology.
Conversations around how we should adapt to new technologies have become more important as AI and hypersonic technology has become what was once deemed science fiction. I have no doubt the research and development at universities, like Florida State, will take charge in ensuring that America stays ahead of the rest of the world throughout the technology sector.
I have full faith in President McCullough’s leadership, and I wish him and the University all the best in their future endeavors. Go Noles!
REP. GAETZ DEMANDS OVERSIGHT INTO THE DOD’S MILITARY WITHDRAWAL FROM CHAD
On Friday, I sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin requesting information from the Department of Defense regarding U.S. troop withdrawal from N’djamena, Chad.
On April 25th, the New York Times reported that the Department of Defense would be removing roughly 75 Green Berets from N’djamena, Chad, after the country’s government demanded they leave. Then, on May 1st, CNN reported that half the U.S. service members stationed at a French military base in Chad have been relocated to Germany. The letter requests information from the Department of Defense and AFRICOM regarding the troop withdrawal be provided by May 30th.
To read my press release, click here.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
TEAM GAETZ ATTENDS ANNUAL PEACE OFFICER MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR OKALOOSA AND WALTON COUNTIES
This week, my District Director attended the annual Peace Officer Memorial Service to honor all who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety in Okaloosa and Walton Counties.
We must always remember our first responders who follow the call of going where others will not at a moment’s notice. The names of the law enforcement officers who ended their watch while serving all of us will surely never be forgotten.
TEAM GAETZ ATTENDS POSTHUMOUS DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS PRESENTATION
On Thursday, my staff had the honor of attending the Posthumous Distinguished Flying Cross Presentation for Major Randell Voas and Senior Master Sergeant JB Lackey. These men gave their lives in heroic action in April 2010 in order to save the lives of their crew of 14 aboard the CV-22B they were operating in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, for the last 14 years, the Air Force incorrectly attributed the crash to operator error rather than a mechanical mishap.
I want to thank the United States Air Force for correcting the record of this tragic event to rightfully recognize the skill and courage of these brave air commandos. Moreso, Ginger and I want to thank and recognize the Voas and Lackey families for their sacrifice and perseverance over the past 14 years, bearing the weight of their loss while knowing the truth about these amazing men.
TEAM GAETZ ATTENDS TECHNOLOGY COAST MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING NETWORK INDUSTRY DAY
My team was honored to attend the annual Technology Coast Manufacturing and Engineering Network Industry Day this week, where they were informed about the future of employment opportunities along the Emerald Coast.
We are encouraged by the information provided by the keynote speaker, BG Geraghty, and all other panelists suggesting that Northwest Florida is open for business and working hard to grow our economy in the areas of technology and manufacturing. These efforts will help us to enhance our military and tourism employment sectors and to continue leading the State of Florida as it moves forward.
MOBILE OFFICE HOURS
On May 29th, my office will be joining Florida State Representative Joel Rudman in hosting mobile office hours from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT at the Navarre Visitor Information Center in Navarre, Florida. The purpose of this event is to better inform constituents on how we can assist them with issues involving federal agencies, such as the IRS, VA, USCIS, passports, and SBA.
These office hours offer constituents who do not live close to my district office a more convenient way to receive casework assistance.
GAETZ IN THE NEWS
The Daily Caller — May 14, 2024
Rep. Matt Gaetz Demands Oversight Hearing On Race-Based VA Programs That Exclude White Vets
“These programs appear to be popping up nationwide, and appear on the official VA website, indicating a serious policy and oversight problem at the VA. No federal resources, let alone sponsorship by the agency itself, should be given to these discriminatory programs. My attached oversight letter to the VA went out today as well. I would be very pleased for any help your leadership position can provide here, on behalf of American vets of all races.”
The Western Journal — May 16, 2024
Matt Gaetz Gives Fiery Speech, Torches Anti-Trump Judge Outside Courtroom - ‘This Is a Made-Up Crime’
“We would be remiss if we did not mention this corrupt judge,” Gaetz said. Gaetz referenced the political conflicts of interest within Merchan’s own family. “This judge whose own family is making six figures off of Democrat politics, that continues to gaslight the country, that there’s some sort of crime committed by President Trump,” Gaetz continued. “This is a made-up crime. No other American in the country would be charged with this type of crime.”
ABC News — May 16, 2024
Matt Gaetz, Lauren Boebert are latest loyalists to appear at Trump’s New York trial
“A fired-up Gaetz went after Michael Cohen, who was on the witness stand, calling him a ‘liar’ and suggesting the jury had a ‘great appreciation’ for him. Gaetz also took aim at Judge Juan Merchan, describing him as ‘corrupt.’ ‘This is a made-up crime,’ Gaetz said. ‘No other American in the country would be charged with this type of crime.’”
Today News Africa — May 17, 2024
Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz Demands Oversight Of U.S. Military Withdrawal From Chad
“U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz has requested information from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin regarding the recent withdrawal of American troops from Chad. Gaetz’s inquiry follows reports that the Chadian government demanded the U.S. forces leave the country... Gaetz has asked for responses by May 30, 2024, and requested coordination with his Military Legislative Assistant, Derrick Miller, and House Armed Services Committee staff member, Michael Kirlin, for any classified information.”
WHAT WE’RE READING
Blaze Media — May 16, 2024
Massie and other Republicans push the ‘Federal Reserve Board Abolition Act’
Fox News — May 17, 2024
White House grilled on flow of taxpayer dollars to government DEI programs
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