Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz to Join One America News Network as Anchor
Expected Announcement
A source familiar with the matter has told CNN that former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz is expected to announce his decision to join One America News Network (OAN) as an anchor. This move comes after Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration to serve as attorney general last month.
Background
Gaetz previously announced that he would not be returning to Congress next year. In an interview with conservative activist Charlie Kirk, he stated, "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."
OAN’s Gain
The addition of Gaetz as an OAN anchor is a significant gain for the far-right network, given that most of its personalities are not well known. OAN has been dealing with a significant blow since it was dropped by DirecTV in 2022. The network has been urging people to stream its programming online instead.
OAN’s Extreme Content
OAN has established itself as one of the most extreme pro-Trump news outlets. The network regularly gives airtime to baseless conspiracy theories that support Trump. It even worked closely with Russian operatives on a propaganda-style documentary during Trump’s first impeachment in 2019.
Gaetz’s Controversial Past
Gaetz’s decision to withdraw his name from consideration for attorney general came in the face of bipartisan pressure, especially as Democrats were pushing for the release of a House Ethics Committee report detailing its investigation into him, including over allegations of sexual misconduct and other alleged crimes. Gaetz has vehemently denied the allegations investigated by the Justice Department and the committee, including the claim that he had sex with a woman in 2017 when she was a minor.
Post-Congress Life
Since resigning from Congress, Gaetz has taken to the celebrity video message platform Cameo, where he sells personalized video messages. His bio on Cameo states, "I served in Congress. Trump nominated me to be US Attorney General (that didn’t work out). Once I fired the House Speaker."
Conclusion
Matt Gaetz’s decision to join One America News Network as an anchor is a significant move for the far-right network. Gaetz’s controversial past and extreme views are likely to bring attention to OAN, which has been struggling to gain traction in the media landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Matt Gaetz joining One America News Network?
A: Gaetz is expected to announce his decision to join OAN as an anchor, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Q: What is One America News Network?
A: OAN is a far-right news network that has established itself as one of the most extreme pro-Trump news outlets.
Q: What is the controversy surrounding Matt Gaetz?
A: Gaetz has been accused of sexual misconduct and other alleged crimes, which he has vehemently denied.
Q: What has Gaetz been doing since resigning from Congress?
A: Gaetz has been selling personalized video messages on the celebrity video message platform Cameo.
