Podcast Title: The Daily
Host: Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise
Episode: Matt Gaetz Calls It Quits
Release Date: November 22, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The Daily, hosts Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise delve into the abrupt withdrawal of former Congressman Matt Gaetz as President Donald Trump's nominee for Attorney General. The discussion, featuring reporter Mike Schmidt, unpacks the intricate web of allegations, political maneuvers, and implications surrounding Gaetz's exit from the nomination race.

The Downfall of Matt Gaetz's Nomination

[00:28] Michael Barbaro:
Michael Barbaro opens the episode by announcing the unexpected withdrawal of Matt Gaetz from consideration as Attorney General, just nine days after his nomination.

[01:12] Michael Barbaro:
"After just nine days as Donald Trump's pick for Attorney General, former Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida has withdrawn from consideration today."

Unfolding Events

[02:29] Mike Schmidt:
Mike Schmidt explains that Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, publicly dismissed the forthcoming Ethics Committee report on Gaetz, arguing that since Gaetz is no longer a member of Congress, the report should remain confidential.

[03:00] Speaker Mike Johnson:
"We don't issue investigations and ethics reports on people who are not members of Congress. I'm afraid that that would open a Pandora's box because the jurisdiction of the Ethics Committee is limited to those."

This stance effectively silences the Ethics Committee's findings and prevents the public disclosure of the investigations into Gaetz's conduct.

The Impact on Gaetz's Nomination

[03:27] Unnamed Host:
The host highlights how this move benefits both Gaetz and Trump, as it keeps the potentially damaging report hidden from the public eye.

[04:10] Mike Schmidt:
Schmidt describes how Gaetz, accompanied by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, attempted to garner support for his nomination among senators, presenting it as a routine confirmation process.

[04:47] Speaker Mike Johnson:
"This just in, a major announcement from Capitol Hill. The House Ethics Committee has voted to not release its report on former Representative Matt Gaetz."

Despite these efforts, the lack of transparency around the Ethics Committee's report undermines Gaetz's standing as a nominee.

Investigative Reporting and Key Evidence

[05:14] Mike Schmidt:
Mike Schmidt discusses his attempts to access the Ethics Committee's investigation report. He reveals obtaining a crucial document—a chart detailing Gaetz's financial transactions with multiple women, including payments documented by federal investigators.

[06:15] Mike Schmidt:
"...it showed thousands and thousands of dollars in Venmo payments that Gates had made to them that had been documented by the federal investigators."

This evidence substantiates allegations that Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct for financial gain.

[07:10] Mike Schmidt:
Addressing the gravemist accusation—Gaetz's alleged sexual relations with a minor:

"It does not show any payments between Gates and the girl, but it does show that Gates' friend, a guy named Joel Greenberg, who set up many of these encounters, had sent several hundred dollars worth of money to the 17-year-old girl."

This connection strengthens the case against Gaetz, linking him indirectly to illegal activities.

Political Ramifications and Strategic Withdrawals

[09:40] Mike Schmidt:
Gaetz issues a tweet withdrawing his nomination, citing that the confirmation process has become a distraction for the incoming administration.

[12:14] Mike Schmidt:
Schmidt elaborates on the precarious position Gaetz would have faced during confirmation hearings:

"...he would almost certainly have had to testify before the Senate at a confirmation hearing. At that hearing, he would almost certainly have been asked, have you paid women for sex?"

This scenario would have forced Gaetz into a highly uncomfortable and potentially damaging position, further jeopardizing his nomination.

[13:10] Mike Schmidt:
"The larger argument they're trying to say is that Donald Trump has been constantly undermined by the deep state and the Justice Department. That's what's happening to Matt Gaetz right now. And that's why he has to be Attorney General, because he has to put an end to this type of behavior."

Gaetz's withdrawal reflects the complex interplay between political loyalty, legal scrutiny, and personal misconduct allegations.

Implications for Future Nominations

[15:32] Mike Schmidt:
Schmidt draws parallels with another Trump nominee, Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, who faces his own set of sexual misconduct allegations.

[16:56] Mike Schmidt:
Discussing potential replacements, Schmidt mentions Todd Blanch, Trump's former personal lawyer, as a possible nominee. Blanch's close ties to Trump and his role in defending the president in criminal cases raise concerns about the perceived independence of the Justice Department.

[18:52] Mike Schmidt:
Schmidt agrees with Jonathan Swan's observation that the controversy surrounding Gaetz makes future nominees appear less contentious by comparison, potentially smoothing their path to confirmation.

Conclusion and New Nomination

[19:37] Michael Barbaro:
The episode concludes with the announcement that President-elect Trump has nominated Pam Bondi, former Republican Attorney General of Florida, as his new pick for Attorney General. Bondi is portrayed as loyal to Trump and more acceptable to Senate Republicans, signaling a strategic shift following Gaetz's withdrawal.

[19:40] Michael Barbaro:
"Bondi, a member of Trump's legal team during his first impeachment, is viewed as highly loyal to Trump and most importantly, as acceptable to the Senate Republicans, who will have to confirm her."

Key Takeaways

• Matt Gaetz's Withdrawal: Gaetz's exit from the Attorney General nomination race was precipitated by the Ethics Committee's decision to withhold damaging reports and the mounting allegations of sexual misconduct.

• Political Strategy: The Republican leadership's handling of the Ethics Committee report reflects strategic efforts to protect party members and manage damaging information.

• Future Implications: The controversy surrounding Gaetz sets a precedent affecting future Trump nominations, highlighting the delicate balance between loyalty and accountability within Trump's circle.

• New Nomination: Pam Bondi emerges as a more politically viable candidate, aligning with Senate Republicans' preferences and internal party dynamics.

Notable Quotes

• Speaker Mike Johnson [03:00]:
  "We don't issue investigations and ethics reports on people who are not members of Congress. I'm afraid that that would open a Pandora's box because the jurisdiction of the Ethics Committee is limited to those."

• Mike Schmidt [05:14]:
  "...it showed thousands and thousands of dollars in Venmo payments that Gates had made to them that had been documented by the federal investigators."

• Mike Schmidt [07:10]:
  "It does not show any payments between Gates and the girl, but it does show that Gates' friend, a guy named Joel Greenberg, who set up many of these encounters, had sent several hundred dollars worth of money to the 17-year-old girl."

• Mike Schmidt [12:14]:
  "The larger argument they're trying to say is that Donald Trump has been constantly undermined by the deep state and the Justice Department. That's what's happening to Matt Gaetz right now."

• Mike Schmidt [18:52]:
  "Objectively, whoever comes after Gates will almost certainly not be as controversial as he is. And that will make that person more palatable to Senate Republicans..."

This comprehensive overview captures the essence of the episode, detailing the rise and fall of Matt Gaetz's nomination, the political strategies employed, and the broader implications for Trump's administration.