Matthew Louis Gaetz II, a Republican from Florida, first gained national prominence as a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump during his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, which began in 2017. Known for his combative style and theatrical political stances, Gaetz became a prominent figure in the MAGA movement. His loyalty to Trump was evident in moments like his nomination of Trump for House Speaker during the contentious election of Kevin McCarthy in early 2023, a move that underscored his penchant for disruption over legislative progress. However, Gaetz’s career took a dramatic turn in November 2024 when Trump nominated him for U.S. Attorney General, a decision that quickly unraveled amid resurfacing allegations of misconduct.
Gaetz resigned from Congress shortly after the nomination, preempting the release of a damning House Ethics Committee report in December 2024. The 42-page report found substantial evidence that Gaetz had violated House rules and state laws, including allegations of paying for sex, engaging in illicit drug use, and having sexual relations with a 17-year-old in 2017, which violated Florida’s statutory rape law. The committee documented payments totaling nearly $100,000 to 12 women between 2017 and 2020, much of which was believed to be for sexual activity or drugs, facilitated through platforms like PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp.
Additional accusations included accepting improper gifts, such as transportation and lodging for a 2018 Bahamas trip involving sexual encounters, and using his congressional influence to expedite a passport for a woman with whom he was in a relationship. Gaetz has denied all allegations, and while the report did not find evidence of federal sex trafficking violations, it painted a picture of a lawmaker whose actions reflected poorly on the House.
The fallout from the investigation has had lasting repercussions for the House Ethics Committee. A recent Politico article published on March 18, 2025, highlighted how the Gaetz saga exposed internal divisions, with leaks revealing disputes over releasing the report and eroding trust in the panel’s confidentiality. The committee, which rarely releases findings on resigned lawmakers, faced pressure to make the report public due to Gaetz’s Attorney General nomination, leading to accusations of partisanship and a "monster cloud" of dysfunction, as described by former chair Rep. Mike Conaway, that could impact its future effectiveness.
In January 2025, Gaetz debuted The Matt Gaetz Show on One America News Network, a San Diego-based conservative network known for its far-right leanings. The show, airing weeknights at 6pm, has been a platform for Gaetz to remain in the public eye, though its reception has been mixed. Early episodes focused on political topics like House Speaker Mike Johnson's re-election battle, featuring controversial guests like Rudy Giuliani and George Santos. However, much of the attention has centered on Gaetz’s appearance, with social media buzzing about his heavy makeup and speculated cosmetic procedures, rather than the show's content. Clips on YouTube have garnered modest viewership - 10,000 for the Giuliani segment and fewer than 6,000 for Santos - indicating a struggle to capture a significant audience.
Gaetz has since been spotted around town, including several reports of sightings in La Jolla. Some surmise he's taken up temporary residence somewhere around the county. His presence in San Diego aligns with OANN’s operations, as the network’s studio is based at 4757 Morena Boulevard near Costco, though he occasionally films from a home studio in Florida and in Washington D.C. His wife, Ginger Gaetz, has acknowledged the public scrutiny of his appearance, posting on X that their marriage is based on honesty, not perfection.
The fallout from the investigation has had lasting repercussions for the House Ethics Committee. A recent Politico article published on March 18, 2025, highlighted how the Gaetz saga exposed internal divisions, with leaks revealing disputes over releasing the report and eroding trust in the panel’s confidentiality. The committee, which rarely releases findings on resigned lawmakers, faced pressure to make the report public due to Gaetz’s Attorney General nomination, leading to accusations of partisanship and a "monster cloud" of dysfunction, as described by former chair Rep. Mike Conaway, that could impact its future effectiveness.
In January 2025, Gaetz debuted The Matt Gaetz Show on One America News Network, a San Diego-based conservative network known for its far-right leanings. The show, airing weeknights at 6pm, has been a platform for Gaetz to remain in the public eye, though its reception has been mixed. Early episodes focused on political topics like House Speaker Mike Johnson's re-election battle, featuring controversial guests like Rudy Giuliani and George Santos. However, much of the attention has centered on Gaetz’s appearance, with social media buzzing about his heavy makeup and speculated cosmetic procedures, rather than the show's content. Clips on YouTube have garnered modest viewership - 10,000 for the Giuliani segment and fewer than 6,000 for Santos - indicating a struggle to capture a significant audience.
Gaetz has since been spotted around town, including several reports of sightings in La Jolla. Some surmise he's taken up temporary residence somewhere around the county. His presence in San Diego aligns with OANN’s operations, as the network’s studio is based at 4757 Morena Boulevard near Costco, though he occasionally films from a home studio in Florida and in Washington D.C. His wife, Ginger Gaetz, has acknowledged the public scrutiny of his appearance, posting on X that their marriage is based on honesty, not perfection.
The transition to media appears to be a strategic pivot for Gaetz, who has a history of considering such roles; in 2021, Axios reported he contemplated leaving Congress for a position at Newsmax amid early reports of his alleged indiscretions. Now, with OANN, Gaetz has found a platform that aligns with his political ideology, though the network's own controversial history raises questions about the partnership.
One America News Network, founded in 2013 by Robert Herring Sr., was launched with a mission to provide a conservative alternative to mainstream media, often promoting narratives that align with right-wing audiences. OANN gained prominence during the Trump era for its unwavering support of the president, frequently amplifying his claims and giving airtime to fringe voices. The network has been criticized for spreading misinformation, particularly around the 2020 election, where it promoted claims of voter fraud. In 2022, OANN settled a defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems after alleging the company rigged the election, a pattern of legal challenges that has dogged the network.
OANN’s coverage has often veered into conspiracy territory, including promoting debunked theories about COVID-19 and giving a platform to figures like Mike Lindell, the MyPillow CEO who pushed election fraud claims. The network’s San Diego base has made it a local fixture, but its national reputation is one of controversy, with critics accusing it of prioritizing ideology over factual reporting. Financially, OANN has struggled in recent years, facing declining viewership and distribution challenges after being dropped by major carriers like DirecTV in 2022. Gaetz’s hiring may be an attempt to revitalize the network’s profile, though early indications suggest his show has yet to make a significant impact.
In response to SanDiegoVille’s request for comment, Gaetz stated, "My wife and I live in Niceville, Florida. I film The Matt Gaetz Show out of Washington DC and San Diego too, so I'm here off-and-on. As for how I will impact the community, I really think I’ve bonded with some of the seals in La Jolla. I’m incredibly proud to be part of the One America News family and I’m enjoying covering America’s Golden Age under President Trump."
For a city that values its community-oriented ethos, Gaetz’s history of scandal and OANN’s track record of misinformation may not sit well with all residents. Yet, his role at the network ensures he remains a visible figure, potentially using San Diego as a launchpad for his next political or media endeavor.
One America News Network, founded in 2013 by Robert Herring Sr., was launched with a mission to provide a conservative alternative to mainstream media, often promoting narratives that align with right-wing audiences. OANN gained prominence during the Trump era for its unwavering support of the president, frequently amplifying his claims and giving airtime to fringe voices. The network has been criticized for spreading misinformation, particularly around the 2020 election, where it promoted claims of voter fraud. In 2022, OANN settled a defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems after alleging the company rigged the election, a pattern of legal challenges that has dogged the network.
OANN’s coverage has often veered into conspiracy territory, including promoting debunked theories about COVID-19 and giving a platform to figures like Mike Lindell, the MyPillow CEO who pushed election fraud claims. The network’s San Diego base has made it a local fixture, but its national reputation is one of controversy, with critics accusing it of prioritizing ideology over factual reporting. Financially, OANN has struggled in recent years, facing declining viewership and distribution challenges after being dropped by major carriers like DirecTV in 2022. Gaetz’s hiring may be an attempt to revitalize the network’s profile, though early indications suggest his show has yet to make a significant impact.
In response to SanDiegoVille’s request for comment, Gaetz stated, "My wife and I live in Niceville, Florida. I film The Matt Gaetz Show out of Washington DC and San Diego too, so I'm here off-and-on. As for how I will impact the community, I really think I’ve bonded with some of the seals in La Jolla. I’m incredibly proud to be part of the One America News family and I’m enjoying covering America’s Golden Age under President Trump."
For a city that values its community-oriented ethos, Gaetz’s history of scandal and OANN’s track record of misinformation may not sit well with all residents. Yet, his role at the network ensures he remains a visible figure, potentially using San Diego as a launchpad for his next political or media endeavor.
Whether he can rebuild his public image out of San Diego - or if his time here will be overshadowed by the allegations that have defined his recent years - remains an open question. For now, the former congressman's presence in America's Finest City is a reminder of the enduring influence of polarizing figures in media and politics, even amidst significant scrutiny and institutional fallout.
Originally published on March 20, 2025.
