Former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) captivated the audience at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest on Sunday, fueling speculation about his next moves in both politics and media. Addressing a crowd of conservative activists and lawmakers in Arizona, Gaetz offered tantalizing clues about his ambitions and teased potential roles he might pursue.
The high-profile event marked Gaetz’s first major public appearance since his resignation from the House of Representatives last month. His decision to step down followed President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Gaetz for U.S. Attorney General, a position he ultimately declined after encountering resistance from several establishment Republican senators.
Despite stepping away from elected office, Gaetz remains a central figure in conservative circles. During his speech, he directly addressed swirling rumors about his political future.
“You’ve asked which perch I will be fighting from next,” Gaetz told the enthusiastic crowd. “And some of you throughout this conference have even given me a few suggestions.”
Among the suggestions was the possibility of Gaetz running for governor of Florida in 2026, when Governor Ron DeSantis completes his term. Gaetz acknowledged the chatter with a grin but stopped short of confirming any concrete plans.
Another potential role mentioned by Gaetz was serving as a Department of Justice-appointed special counsel to investigate alleged corruption within the federal government. The crowd erupted in applause when Gaetz remarked, “It seems I may not have had enough support in the United States Senate. Maybe I’ll just run for Marco Rubio’s vacant seat in the Senate and join some of those folks.”
Gaetz’s quip about a Senate run added fuel to speculation, leaving many wondering if he plans to challenge Rubio or wait for an open seat in the future.
For now, Gaetz appears content to remain outside the halls of Congress, emphasizing the importance of grassroots activism and citizen engagement. Quoting Founding Father James Madison, Gaetz declared, “The most powerful position in America would not be congressman or senator or even president, but that of citizen. We put such an obligation on the citizenry to ignite the patriotism that the country needs.”
The message resonated with the AmericaFest audience, many of whom view Gaetz as a torchbearer for their movement. His remarks underscored his commitment to staying active in the conservative fight, regardless of his official title.
While Gaetz ponders his next political steps, he is making an immediate pivot to media. Announcing his new role with One America News (OAN), Gaetz revealed plans to host a primetime show and co-host a video podcast alongside OAN anchor Dan Ball.
The podcast, described as featuring “unfiltered conversations,” aims to engage younger conservative audiences, including Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X. Gaetz’s blend of political savvy and charisma is expected to resonate with viewers, bolstering OAN’s presence in the conservative media landscape.
Dan Ball, host of Real America with Dan Ball, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “We’ve been big fans of Matt Gaetz from day one. We admire his leadership and authenticity, and we’re confident he’ll really connect with our viewers. It’s an exciting partnership that’s going to take OAN to the next level,” Ball said in a statement.
Gaetz’s decision to join OAN reflects his desire to remain at the forefront of conservative discourse, even outside of elected office. His media ventures are expected to provide a platform for amplifying his views and engaging with supporters on critical issues.
The move also positions Gaetz as a key voice in the ongoing cultural and political battles that define the conservative movement. Whether through fiery monologues on his OAN show or candid discussions on his podcast, Gaetz is likely to maintain his influence over the party’s direction and priorities.
While Gaetz’s immediate focus is on his media endeavors, his speech at AmericaFest made it clear that he hasn’t ruled out a return to politics. The crowd’s enthusiastic reception to his hints about potential campaigns suggests that his supporters are eager to see him back on the ballot in the future.
For now, Gaetz remains a dynamic figure in the conservative movement, straddling the worlds of politics and media with ease. Whether as a gubernatorial candidate, a Senate contender, or a media heavyweight, Matt Gaetz appears poised to remain a prominent and polarizing figure for years to come.
