The Populist Progressive Case for Matt Gaetz

The Florida Republican has championed consumer and privacy reforms, breaking up Silicon Valley monopolies, and opposes corporate money in politics.

This article was published in partnership with Unherd.

Donald Trump announced today that he will elevate Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., as his next Attorney General, a post with sweeping powers over the Department of Justice.

Gaetz may be known as a bombastic MAGA supporter in the eyes of the media. He livestreams, he podcasts, he trades barbs with political enemies with acidic bluster.

But for those who have closely followed his legislative career, the Florida lawmaker represents a sharp break from the corporate-friendly orthodoxy of the modern Republican Party.

Indeed, Gaetz’s elevation will provide sprawling prosecutorial powers for continuing his push against special interest influence and corporate malfeasance. 

His record speaks for itself. From his perch on the House Judiciary Committee, Gaetz has promoted a surprisingly consumer-friendly agenda, routinely breaking with his GOP colleagues on crucial votes. He previously supported legislative measures to break up Silicon Valley monopolies, sharply regulate the online data broker industry, ban noncompete employment contracts, and an end to the practice of forced arbitration, among other corporate accountability votes. He has also taken maverick positions on reducing FBI surveillance powers, cutting certain arms supplies to Saudi Arabia and legalizing marijuana.