Trump ally called ‘attack dog’
Florida’s Gaetz not afraid of political fight
NICEVILLE — Long before Republican U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz was calling the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee “Captain Kangaroo,” he built a reputation as an agitator who wasn’t shy about calling out other lawmakers on social media.
On Tuesday, Gaetz mocked U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California who is leading the impeachment probe into President Donald Trump’s conversation with the Ukrainian president about political rival Joe Biden.
“What we see in this impeachment is a kangaroo court, and Chairman Schiff is acting like a malicious Captain Kangaroo,” Gaetz said, referring to the beloved children’s television character,
Gaetz, 37, is only in his third year in Congress, yet he has already become nationally recognized as one of Trump’s most ardent defenders. While his style works in his Panhandle district, one of the state’s most conservative, liberal Democrats love to hate him — and he seems to revel in the
criticism.
“He knows exactly what he’s doing,” said Democratic state Rep. Evan Jenne. “Any third-year congressperson would have to be envious of the amount of influence he has on the national stage in such a short period of time. And let’s be honest, he’s obtained this, in part, because of saying stuff that sounds a little bit kooky.”
But Jenne also called Gaetz a friend, with whom he has worked closely on environmental and other issues.
“Matt is a highly intelligent individual. If anyone thinks that’s not the case, you’re doing yourself a disservice because he’s going to run over you if you’re not prepared to debate with the guy,” Jenne said. “Matt loves, loves, loves a good political fistfight.”
While in the Florida House, Gaetz made headlines in 2015 for questioning the intelligence of two black lawmakers.
Some said the tweet was racist, and Republicans and Democrats alike condemned it. Republican House Speaker Steve Crisafulli apologized for the remark but also defended Gaetz.
“He is an agitator, yes, but not a racist,” Crisafulli tweeted.
Former state Sen. Arthenia Joyner, one the lawmakers he attacked, said Gaetz hasn’t changed from his time in Tallahassee.
“He’s just an attack dog who can’t help himself because he’s privileged and was born with a silver foot in his mouth,” Joyner said.
On Tuesday night, Gaetz spoke at a political event in Niceville for a local school superintendent candidate. Gaetz barely made it to the event on time after he was forced to change his flight when Trump called him to the White House that morning.
Gaetz later said the and Trump talked about Syria. That same day, Trump announced he was withdrawing troops from northeastern Syria, a decision Gaetz supports.
“I am incredibly grateful that this is the first president since Ronald Reagan to not start a new war. My generation is weary of these endless wars. We have been trading the same villages back and forth in Afghanistan for 18 years,” Gaetz said.
While true to many core Republican values, Gaetz also works with Democrats both on environmental matters and issues such as medical marijuana.
“I come from the pro-science wing of the Republican Party. I understand that the Earth is warming, that medical marijuana can help people live better lives and no one chooses to be gay. I can’t believe that any of those things are still issues of debate among any group of intelligent adults,” Gaetz said.
Like Trump, one of Gaetz’s favorite tools is Twitter. His Twitter profile includes a quote from Trump describing Gaetz: “‘He’s a machine … handsome and going places’ says @realDonaldTrump.”
And Trump and Gaetz often target the same people. Last week Gaetz took aim at Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren, whom Trump calls “Pocahontas” because of her claims to have Native American ancestry. “The Fake Indian spreads Fake News,” Gaetz tweeted.
Gaetz’s blunt candor has endeared him to many voters in his district. He won reelection last year with 67% of the vote.
“What’s refreshing is hearing the truth,” said Jim Heald, a 66-year-old retired Air Force officer and a registered Democrat. “What I don’t like is when someone is deceiving me, and Matt’s telling the truth. I’m a big supporter.”