The Charlie Kirk Show – Matt Gaetz Speaks
Release Date: November 22, 2024

In this compelling episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, host Charlie Kirk engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Congressman Matt Gaetz. The discussion navigates through Gaetz’s recent political maneuvers, his endorsement of Pam Bondi for Attorney General, responses to allegations against him, and the future direction of the Department of Justice (DOJ) under the Trump administration. Additionally, Brooke Rollins, founder and CEO of America First Policy Institute, joins the show to provide further insights into Bondi’s selection and broader policy implications.

1. Introduction and Guest Welcome

The episode kicks off with Charlie Kirk introducing Matt Gaetz, highlighting his significance in current political discourse.

• Charlie Kirk [00:00-00:38]: Sets the stage for Gaetz's appearance, mentioning the timing before Mike Rogers was dismissed as a potential FBI director.

2. Matt Gaetz Endorses Pam Bondi for Attorney General

Gaetz discusses his decision to endorse Pam Bondi over himself for the role of Attorney General, emphasizing her qualifications and alignment with President Trump’s agenda.

• Matt Gaetz [02:12-04:59]:

  “Pam Bondi is going to be a phenomenal Attorney General for Donald Trump. She has the legal acumen, she hates criminals. She is a bright legal mind and a fellow Floridian.”
  [02:12]

Gaetz outlines Bondi’s ability to implement key Trump policies from day one, contrasting her streamlined confirmation process with his own more tumultuous experience.

3. Addressing Allegations and Speculation

Charlie Kirk addresses the media allegations against Gaetz, providing him the platform to refute claims and clarify his stance.

• Matt Gaetz [05:28-07:42]:

  “If the things that the House ethics report were true, I would be under indictment and probably in a prison cell. But of course, they're false because when you test them against other records, they all fall apart very quickly.”
  [05:28]

Gaetz explains that the allegations are politically motivated attempts to derail his confirmation, emphasizing his commitment to the DOJ’s mission without the distraction of prolonged investigations.

4. Future Plans Post-Congress

Kirk probes Gaetz about his plans after resigning from Congress, seeking to understand his continued role in supporting Trump’s agenda.

• Matt Gaetz [08:07-10:04]:

  “I'm still going to be in the fight, but it's going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress.”
  [08:07]

Gaetz expresses his intention to contribute to the movement from a different position, focusing on finding and empowering new talent within the America First agenda.

5. Speculation on FBI Director Appointment

The conversation shifts to the potential nomination of Mike Rogers as FBI Director, especially following Andy McCabe’s endorsement.

• Charlie Kirk [11:20-13:19]:
  Discusses Rogers’ endorsement by McCabe and the implications for his potential nomination.

• Matt Gaetz [12:52-13:19]:

  “I think that President Trump wants to see more reform [in the FBI] probably than Mike Rogers does.”
  [12:58]

Gaetz critiques Rogers’ stance on surveillance and civil liberties, suggesting a misalignment with Trump’s desired DOJ reforms.

6. Pam Bondi’s Selection and Support from Brooke Rollins

Brooke Rollins joins the show to laud Pam Bondi’s track record and suitability for Attorney General, reinforcing Gaetz’s endorsement.

• Brooke Rollins [17:03-20:25]:

  “Pam Bondi is a warrior. She built our litigation team. She was tough, she was smart. She is the epitome of the America First movement, and she's gonna crush it as AG.”
  [17:18]

Rollins highlights Bondi’s effectiveness in Florida and her alignment with the broader objectives of the America First Policy Institute.

7. Policy Recommendations for the Department of Justice

Gaetz and Rollins delve into specific policy changes they envision for the DOJ under Bondi’s leadership, focusing on rooting out corruption and implementing Trump’s agenda.

• Matt Gaetz [14:04-16:09]:

  “We need brilliant lawyers... to reclaim the Department of Justice as a valued institution constrained by the Constitution, not as the enforcement wing of the political left.”
  [14:04]

• Brooke Rollins [21:31-25:27]:

  “One of the most important things is taking the government out and getting the weaponization out of our government.”
  [21:31]

The discussion covers the importance of staffing the DOJ with competent individuals, eliminating politicized practices, and focusing on key areas like illegal immigration and civil rights enforcement.

8. Concluding Remarks and Future Events

The episode wraps up with promotions for America Fest, emphasizing the unity and momentum of the conservative movement. Kirk also addresses the Democrat Party's trajectory, critiquing their focus on race politics.

• Charlie Kirk [28:30-34:03]:
  Summarizes the session, underscores the importance of policy implementation, and laments the Democrat Party’s reliance on race politics over merit and class.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Gaetz [02:12]:

  “Pam Bondi is going to be a phenomenal Attorney General for Donald Trump.”

• Matt Gaetz [05:28]:

  “If the things that the House ethics report were true, I would be under indictment and probably in a prison cell.”

• Matt Gaetz [08:07]:

  “I'm still going to be in the fight, but it's going to be from a new perch.”

• Brooke Rollins [17:18]:

  “Pam Bondi is a warrior. She built our litigation team.”

• Matt Gaetz [14:04]:

  “We need brilliant lawyers... to reclaim the Department of Justice as a valued institution constrained by the Constitution.”

• Brooke Rollins [21:31]:

  “One of the most important things is taking the government out and getting the weaponization out of our government.”

Key Takeaways

1. Endorsement of Pam Bondi: Matt Gaetz steps aside to endorse Pam Bondi for Attorney General, believing she is better suited to implement Trump’s DOJ agenda efficiently.

2. Refuting Allegations: Gaetz strongly denies the allegations against him, labeling them as politically motivated attacks without merit.

3. Future Role in Movement: Although not rejoining Congress, Gaetz commits to supporting the America First agenda from a different role within the movement.

4. Critique of Mike Rogers: Gaetz expresses skepticism about Mike Rogers’ potential nomination as FBI Director, citing concerns over his stance on surveillance and civil liberties.

5. Policy Focus for DOJ: Emphasis on staffing the DOJ with qualified individuals, eliminating politicization, and focusing on key issues like illegal immigration and civil rights.

6. Support from Brooke Rollins: Rollins reinforces the endorsement of Bondi, highlighting her effectiveness and alignment with America First policies.

7. Conservative Momentum: The episode underscores the unity and strategic planning within the conservative movement, aiming to implement comprehensive policy changes.

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the discussions, key points, and future directions outlined by Charlie Kirk, Matt Gaetz, and Brooke Rollins.