Even Matt Gaetz's powerful father was surprised at the Trump AG pick

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Just about everyone was surprised when Donald Trump picked Matt Gaetz to be his attorney general. You can add Gaetz's 76-year-old, politically connected and influential father to that list.

Don Gaetz, a Florida powerbroker who himself was just elected to a state Senate seat, said Thursday that he and Matt's mother — Vicky Gaetz — "really had no prior warning until Matt called us and said that the president just offered me the attorney generalship. I think it's fair to say Matt was not seeking the job."

The shock waves that have come from Matt Gaetz's nomination have led to predictions that lurid details of his past activities, including a closed federal investigation into allegations of sex trafficking, could soon come to light and that he may not get confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate.

"Matt has been investigated by the House Ethics Committee, the Department of Justice, the Federal Elections Commission and probably the Rotary Club," said Don Gaetz, who is affectionately known as "Papa Gaetz." "He's been investigated by everyone for more than two years and there's never been any reason to be charged with anything and he's denied all these fraudulent politically motivated allegations."

But bruising battles are nothing new for the Gaetz clan. The connection between Matt Gaetz, the self-avowed firebrand from northwest Florida who helped dump former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and his father is strong since both have pursued the family business of politics.

Don Gaetz, whose own father ran for office in North Dakota, is a longtime political player in the Sunshine State who once served as president of the Florida Senate . He has had his own history of challenging other powerful Republicans including then-Gov. Rick Scott , who he fought with so frequently that Scott blocked Don Gaetz's bid to become president of the University of West Florida.

And his son's potential ascension to the most powerful law enforcement position in the country comes right after Don Gaetz himself was elected back this month to the state Senate after spending the past eight years out of office.

In his past stint in office, Don Gaetz — who was in the Legislature at the same time as his son — had no problem publicly clashing with fellow lawmakers. Once, he came under a barrage of criticism over Florida's restricting efforts that were overturned by the courts.

Don Gaetz expressed confidence that his son will be able to withstand a bitter confirmation battle that could be coming once Trump takes office.

"Confirmation is always a dice roll," Don Gaetz said. "Some people are more natural at confirmation. Typically a sitting senator finds it easier to be confirmed. Someone who is way outside may find it harder."

But he added "Matt is a guy who has always looked for an opportunity to be an advocate for the issues he cares about. He's been a strong supporter of the president ... and a harsh critic of Biden-Harris administration."

Don Gaetz also brushed aside the allegations that his son had sex with a minor — a charge that Matt Gaetz has repeatedly denied but was investigated by federal authorities as well as the House Ethics Committee. The investigation came in part due to allegations made by the former Florida tax collector who is now serving a sentence in federal prison. In February 2023 federal authorities ended their investigation .

Yet there's already a growing chorus of those — including the attorney who represented the then-minor at the center of the investigation — who are demanding that the House Ethics Committee release its findings.

Don Gaetz said that his son's decision to abruptly resign from Congress on Wednesday was about helping Republicans maintain their majority and the need to stagger out resignations. Trump also tapped Rep. Michael Waltz , a Florida Republican, and Rep. Elise Stefanik , a New York Republican, for positions in the Trump administration.

"If they all left at the same time you could lose the House majority," Don Gaetz said.

One place that state Republicans will have a substantial majority is in the Florida Senate, the political arena that Don Gaetz helped shape and control for 10 years.

Don Gaetz enters that chamber as someone who is likely to be an independent voice who did not get elected with the help of Gov. Ron DeSantis. The placement of his son in an elevated position in the Trump administration could also add to his clout.

Yet Don Gaetz says he has not asked for any particular role. Incoming Senate President Ben Albritton has already picked his leadership team for the next two years, but he has yet to announce his full array of committee chairs. Don Gaetz, who once ran a successful health care company before becoming a school superintendent, brings a background in multiple areas.

"I will play where the coaches put me," Don Gaetz said.

He also downplays the significance of Matt Gaetz's new high-profile perch to his own political clout.

"With Matt at least I have someone in Washington on speed dial," Don Gaetz said.