Former congressman Matt Gaetz may have left Capitol Hill, but his influence is far from over. Instead of returning to Congress, Gaetz is making a splash in the conservative media world. Politico reported on Tuesday that Gaetz will soon be anchoring his own primetime show on One America News Network (OAN). This new role places the fiery Florida conservative in a powerful position to cover the inner workings of Washington and speak directly to his America First base.
Gaetz’s move to OAN is a significant win for the network, which is expanding its reach and influence among conservative audiences. OAN announced Gaetz as a “powerhouse” addition to their lineup, describing his hiring as a “mega MAGA investment.” His show is slated to air weeknights at 9 p.m., giving him a prominent slot to provide commentary, analysis, and, no doubt, some hard-hitting takes on the current political landscape.
In addition to his primetime gig, Gaetz will co-host a video podcast with Dan Ball, host of Real America with Dan Ball. This podcast aims to attract Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X audiences by offering “unfiltered conversations.” Dan Ball praised the partnership, saying, “We admire his leadership and authenticity, and we’re confident he’ll really connect with our viewers.” OAN president Charles Herring echoed these sentiments, calling Gaetz a “remarkable talent and a principled leader” who will provide “unparalleled insight” to the network’s viewers.
Gaetz expressed excitement about his new venture, highlighting OAN’s commitment to modern media platforms. “OAN is blazing a trail in media, embracing not just traditional news but the platforms where Americans are going: streaming, apps, podcasts, and social media,” he said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to join OAN’s forward-thinking team and be part of this revolutionary expansion.”
This announcement comes after months of speculation about Gaetz’s future. Some had considered him a contender for the U.S. Senate seat left open by Marco Rubio’s nomination for Secretary of State. Others speculated that Gaetz might aim for Florida’s governor’s mansion. Gaetz himself has admitted to eyeing the governor’s office, saying, “I would definitely enjoy that job so much.”
However, Gaetz’s high-profile clashes in Congress, particularly his feud with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, created plenty of enemies. His nomination for attorney general by President-elect Donald Trump stirred controversy, especially in light of a now-closed House ethics investigation.
Despite the political turmoil, Gaetz’s new role at OAN cements his status as a leading conservative voice. His move to the Fourth Estate ensures that he remains a prominent figure shaping the national conversation, and his critics will have to brace for his continued influence.