Former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, known for his contentious political career, has entered the world of Cameo, offering personalized video messages for $500 each. Gaetz’s profile on the platform reads, “I served in Congress. Trump nominated me to be US Attorney General (that didn’t work out). Once I fired the House Speaker.”
Since joining on Friday, Gaetz has completed several videos and received eight 5-star reviews. His Cameo debut marks a unique turn in his career as he distances himself from politics.
Attorney general nomination withdrawal and a career shift
Gaetz’s Cameo foray follows his resignation from Congress after a failed nomination for U.S. attorney general by President-elect Donald Trump. His candidacy faced overwhelming opposition due to resurfaced allegations of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use, claims Gaetz has consistently denied. Amid the backlash, he withdrew his name from consideration, prompting Trump to nominate former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi instead.
In one of his Cameo videos, Gaetz endorsed Bondi’s qualifications for the Department of Justice role, calling her “a great fit.”
Viral comments spark outrage
One of Gaetz’s Cameo videos sparked controversy when he joked about deploying Predator drones against his adversaries, a quip many found unsettling. “I can’t order Predator strikes on my enemies anymore since I’m not going to the DOJ,” Gaetz said in the video, which quickly gained attention online.
The statement referenced the now-retired Predator drone, which was historically used in counterterrorism operations. Gaetz clarified in the video that such actions fall under the Department of Defense, not the DOJ. While some viewed the comment as lighthearted, its provocative nature drew criticism.
He also encouraged the video’s recipient to “have as much fun as possible” and expressed optimism for the DOJ under the Trump administration.
Politicians on Cameo: Following a precedent
Gaetz’s move to Cameo mirrors similar transitions by other politicians, including former New York Representative George Santos. Santos, who was expelled from the House in December 2023, used Cameo in a now-infamous segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live! where the host requested videos under fictitious names. The incident led Santos to sue Kimmel for defamation, though the lawsuit was unsuccessful.
Mixed public reaction
Public response to Gaetz’s Cameo venture has been divided. Critics lambasted his humor regarding Predator drones, labeling it as tone-deaf. Supporters, however, praised his willingness to engage directly with the public through the platform.
Gaetz’s entry into Cameo highlights a growing trend of former politicians leveraging their notoriety to connect with audiences in unconventional ways. For Gaetz, this represents a significant shift from his polarizing days in Congress to a more personalized, albeit equally controversial, new endeavor.