Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) filled in for Newsmax TV’s Greg Kelly during a Friday appearance that drew social media users participation crossed a ‘new frontier in right-wing entertainment’.
Gaetz kicked off Kelly’s program commenting on the debt limit talks on Capitol Hill, where Republicans and Democrats are negotiating raising the country’s borrowing limit to avoid federal bankruptcy.
“If the debt limit is raised, will spending really meet our country’s needs?” he asked, with a graphic text “debt ceiling madness” displayed next to him. “Or is it increasingly fueling and funding a government that has lost its way, gone berserk or — worse — turned on our beloved compatriots?”
Gaetz, who had reportedly considered a Newsmax job before the network passed on to him also denounced President Joe Biden’s plan to cancel student loans in 2021 because it faces challenges in Washington.
“Hardworking Americans are being asked to subsidize $80,000 in intersectional gender studies for their now understaffed Starbucks barista,” the Florida Republican said.
Elsewhere in the show, Gaetz suggested that the wife of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is facing impeachment calls for his alleged abuse of office, could serve as a juror at a potential Senate trial.
Gaetz also talked to Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), who said Republican presidential nominee and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis would do well in 2024 primary states such as Iowa, New Hampshire and possibly South Carolina.
“He could do very well in South Carolina, especially if the South Carolinians see the futility of their mission in terms of [former] Gov. Nikki Haley and Senator Tim Scott,” Roy said, referring to two state presidential candidates.
But Gaetz cast doubt on the suggestion about DeSantis’ primary prospects, due to former President Donald Trump’s competitive candidacy.
“I think President Trump has a pretty high floor,” he said. “And the shadow you cast on the viability of the South Carolinians is being noticed.”
In conversation with Mediatea Newsmax source criticized the congressman’s performance, calling it the “Worst idea I’ve heard in a long time.”
The network appearance, which came months after Gaetz guest-hosted a podcast of former Trump White House strategist Steve Bannon, also drew flak among Twitter users who questioned the Republican.anchorman cosplay” this week.