Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) replaced Newsmax TV’s Greg Kelly at a Friday hosting gig that social media users say crossed a “new line in right-wing entertainment”.
Gaetz kicked off Kelly’s platform with comments on the debt limit talks on Capitol Hill, where Republicans and Democrats are negotiating on raising the country’s borrowing limit to avoid a federal default.
“If the debt ceiling is raised, will spending really meet the needs of our country?” he asked, with a graphic reading “debt ceiling madness” displayed alongside him. “Or is it increasingly fueling and funding a government that has gone astray, gone wild or, worse yet, turned against our beloved countrymen?”
Gaetz, who reportedly considered a job at Newsmax before the network aired it in 2021, also lambasted President Joe Biden’s plan for student loan forgiveness as he faces challenges in Washington.
“Hard-working Americans are invited to subsidize the $80,000 degree in intersectional gender studies for their now underemployed Starbucks barista,” the Florida Republican said.
Elsewhere on the show, Gaetz suggested that the wife of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is facing impeachment calls for her alleged abuse of power, could serve as a juror in a possible Senate trial. of State.
Gaetz also spoke with Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), who said Republican presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will do well in 2024 primary states like Iowa, New Hampshire and maybe South Carolina.
“He could do very well in South Carolina, especially if South Carolinians see the futility of their mission in terms of [former] Governor Nikki Haley and Senator Tim Scott,” Roy said, referring to two state presidential candidates.
But Gaetz doubted the suggestion about DeSantis’ top prospects, due to former President Donald Trump’s competing candidacy.
“I think President Trump has a pretty high floor,” he said. “And the shadow you cast on South Carolina’s viability is noted.”
Speaking to Mediaite, a Newsmax source slammed the congressman’s hosting gig, calling it the “worst idea I’ve heard in a long time”.
The network appearance, which came months after Gaetz hosted a podcast led by former Trump White House strategist Steve Bannon, was also criticized by Twitter users who questioned the “republican”.presenter cosplay” this week.
(H/T Mediaite)