Matt Gaetz, or the living embodiment of political chaos, is not one to do things by halves. With his appointment as Minister of Justice, this Florida representative is making headlines. This appointment, made by Donald Trump, is stirring passions. Always as discreet as a red Ferrari in a high-speed chase, he remains unavoidable. He is a loyalist among the loyalists of the former president. He embodies a particular American right. Here, divisive is less an adjective than a line of conduct.
The Ultimate Trumpist or the (Overly) Diligent Student
Born in 1982 in Hollywood, Florida (no relation to the other Hollywood, but Gaetz plays on the confusion), young Matt grew up in a wealthy family in one of the most ostentatious villas. Lawyer by training, he quickly veers off course. He turns to politics. It’s an even more fertile ground for his talents. He is an indefatigable agitator.
As early as 2016, sensing the Trump wave before even his Congressional buddies dared to remove their ties, Gaetz becomes the chief groupie of the former president. Rolling Stone even crowns him "the most Trumpist of the Trumpists." A title he wears with such pride that one can imagine him sleeping with the medal around his neck. Populist, provocative, and allergic to any nuance, Gaetz has made caricature a way of life.
Professional Provocateur
Gaetz is a bit like the unruly boy of the American political class. In 2023, he topples Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy is the Speaker of the House. He overturns him like a house of cards. This plunges Congress into chaos. An episode of House of Cards could have blushed at this chaos. His taste for sensational moves is such that one wonders if he doesn’t set alerts on his own name on Twitter just to savor the trending topics he provokes.
On social media, he excels in the art of the biting punchline and dubious theories. The Democrats? A bunch of traitors. The elites? A club of conspirators. The moderate Republicans? Cowards. In short, Matt Gaetz has a target — self-promotional — for every day of the week.
Scandals Worthy of an Orchestra
If Matt Gaetz were a restaurant, he would have a Michelin star for his scandals. He is accused of sex trafficking involving a minor. He lived under federal investigation for three years. Finally, the case is dropped. However, the discomfort is not dropped. Among his other exploits: an alleged "scorecard" on his conquests among Congressional interns! No comment…
Rumors of drug use and favoritism are added to the equation. This creates an explosive cocktail of arrogance and scandals. All served with a predatory smile, symbolized by a parasol. Yet, for his fans, these accusations are just attacks from an elite jealous of his genius… or his impeccable hairstyle.
Minister of Justice or Chief Arsonist?
Gaetz’s appointment as head of the Department of Justice is the latest chapter in a saga that would make Game of Thrones look like a story of care bears. Trump, in his quest to bring the federal state to heel, sees in him a watchdog (or perhaps a mad dog, depending on the point of view). But even in conservative circles, this decision is causing teeth to grind.
Media like The Wall Street Journal denounce his lack of skills and The New York Times predicts an institutional earthquake. As for the Republican Senate, it will have to choose between blind loyalty to Trump or a last gasp of rationality.
Chaos as a Strategy
Matt Gaetz may be the perfect symbol of an era where politics no longer needs to be an art; it can simply be a permanent show. His appointment is like putting an arsonist in charge of the firefighters. At a time when America wavers between extreme polarization and the struggle to preserve its institutions, Gaetz advances, Hollywood smile and slicked-back hair, like a poker player ready to bet everything on chaos.
We have a Minister of Justice who is capable. He can transform the law into a gladiatorial arena. This is done for the better and especially for the laughs. After all, with Matt Gaetz, one thing is certain: we won’t risk getting bored. The question remains whether the much-followed America will survive the spectacle.