WTH?
Speculation Swirls After Gaetz Announces ‘Media Availability’ for Ex-Staffer on His ‘Recent Encounter With the FBI’
U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz‘s congressional office issued a “media availability”notice for Monday at 11:00 AM CT, for a “former Gaetz staffer” to discuss a “recent encounter with the FBI.”
As many online noted, it’s strange Gaetz would use his official Congressional stationery for a non-congressional press event. The message was sent by Gaetz’s Chief of Staff from his D.C. office.
Forbes’ Andrew Solender posted the notice:
INBOX: “A former staff member for U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) will hold a media availability regarding recent encounter with the FBI.” pic.twitter.com/xhwXE6xRZS
— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) April 4, 2021
The former staffer, as many note, appears to be Gaetz’s former Military Legislative Director, Air Force Capt. Nathan Nelson (Ret.), based on a Google search of the address listed. Nelson appeared in a 2019 “Fox & Friends” segment promoting Building Homes for Heroes.
It’s not known what Nelson, or whoever the former staffer is, will say but Gaetz has been claiming he is the victim of a $25 million extortion scheme being carried out by a former DOJ employee, and he has demanded the DOJ release “tapes” he say will prove his accusations. Any possible extortion scheme is still separate from any possible investigation into his alleged activities.
Gaetz has confirmed he is the “subject” of a DOJ investigation into a possible sexual relationship with a 17-year old girl. That investigation allegedly also includes him possibly paying for sex with women, using cash apps and hotel ATMs to pay the women, use of an illegal drug, and child sex trafficking. He also allegedly showed nude photos of the women he was having sex with to fellow members of Congress.
Some responses:
That address is home of Nathaniel and Jennifer Nelson, both registered GOP. Until October 2020, he was employed as Gaetz’s military affairs aide.
Why is Gaetz using his official office and staff resources for this stunt to ostensibly defend him?
— Leslie McCarthy (@LeslieM3355) April 5, 2021
A former staff member using Gaetz’ letterhead? For an event at a home in a residential neighborhood in Florida instead of in DC? Doesn’t this have to be a staged event for the purpose of propping up/ defending Gaetz?
— Alan Hoch (@AlanDHoch) April 5, 2021
Same vibe https://t.co/2crQewVEcU pic.twitter.com/qLDr8sgFz2
— The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) April 5, 2021
The FBI totally loves if you have a press conference about their interview with you, I’m sure.
This sounds like *such* a fascinating plan. https://t.co/n5ZT0ay1iO
— Eric Garland (@ericgarland) April 5, 2021
This sounds, dare I say, juicy. https://t.co/gDWFVBdBuT
— Mr. Newberger (@jeremynewberger) April 4, 2021
It’s gonna be Jacob Wohl, isn’t it. https://t.co/ay2M9QfhiJ
— watertigernyc (@watertigernyc) April 4, 2021
Is this another 4 Seasons Total Landscaping?
— $3.50 (@zLochnerMonster) April 5, 2021
Shady AF. https://t.co/OCwl8qvxfR
— Jen Hansen 🏳️🌈 (@jenhansen31) April 5, 2021
A former staffer?🤔
On Gaetz letterhead? https://t.co/NB650wFLmV— YpsiGal🇺🇸 (@YpsiGal) April 4, 2021
The address comes back to Nathan Nelson, for Gaetz mil affairs dir: https://t.co/2xKW2sM4gP who was apparently given the house after being wounded in combat: https://t.co/u9PJbilCaN
— S 😷💉 (@vidiot_) April 4, 2021
Ok, so this ~former~ Gaetz staff member’s media avail is announced on @RepMattGaetz letterhead, which means this is just Gaetz attempting to control the narrative by having an ally do some spin for him.
I don’t think it will be successful. https://t.co/MnoScauasL
— Sergio Grant (@sgrant525) April 5, 2021
My thoughts exactly
— Brenda Lynn 💙🍁💙 (@Brenda36792138) April 5, 2021
Probably because it’s a former staffer who is willing to lie or spin their encounter with the FBI in his favor. Basically to try to take control of the story and get his followers to not trust anything that comes out.
— J How (@Jhowe) April 4, 2021
FWIW – the investigation into a possible extortion scheme is entirely separate from the investigation into Gaetz’s actions, allegedly child sex trafficking and other crimes including the use of campaign funds to pay for prostitutes, etc.
— Hillary (Treason–now with foam pillows) Hillarious (@HHillarious) April 5, 2021
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