At his second rally of the weekend, Donald Trump spewed his typical racist and campaign lies, but also issued an apology “on behalf of the country.” The apology was directed at Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, who for months has been under investigation for allegedly sex-trafficking a 17-year-old girl, bringing women across state lines for prostitution and obstruction of justice. The twice-impeached former president appears to believe he has the authority not only to speak for the country that voted him out, but also to apologize to an alleged sex trafficker on its behalf.
“A man who’s a fantastic man, he gets a little controversial at times, but there’s no one better than this guy — and he’s been through a lot,” Trump said of Gaetz.
Gaetz and his friend, Joel Greenberg, came under suspicion in 2020 after prosecutors accused Greenberg of making false claims and falsifying evidence to smear a political opponent. During that investigation of Greenberg, officials also found evidence that led them to believe he may have been paying women, including a 17-year-old, to have sex with Gaetz. The MP has repeatedly denied the charges and maintained his innocence.
At the rally, Trump avoided getting too specific about the details of the Gaetz investigation. “The word we can’t say, I’m not going to say it, but he went through things that had to do with it and it was terrible how he was treated. He’s so tough, so strong, and everyone says he’s smart and loves this state and this country. Matt Gaetz. Great man, great man. Really great, thanks. We apologize to you on behalf of the country, all of us, because what you went through is just terrible and so unnecessary.”
But maybe Trump should apologize on his behalf. Because when Gaetz asked him for a preemptive pardon before leaving the White House, Trump didn’t give it to him. According to congressional testimony by John McEntee, who served as director of the White House Office of the President’s Personnel under Trump, Gaetz complained that the Justice Department was trying to “make his life hell.” It would be “great” if Trump could pardon him, Gaetz said, according to McEntee. But Trump did not pardon him.
Greenberg eventually pleaded guilty to six charges, including sex trafficking of a minor, and agreed to cooperate with law enforcement in their investigation of Gaetz. But late last month, prosecutors suggested the lawmaker not be charged in the matter because of questions about how credible two key witnesses would appear to a jury.
The rest of Trump’s speech at the Florida rally was filled with his standard fare. He complained about the Democrats and “crazy Nancy Pelosi,” politely asking, “By the way, how’s she doing lately?” when she learns that the husband of the Speaker of the House, Paul Pelosi, was attacked by a man who broke into their home with a hammer, leaving Pelosi with a fractured skull and other serious injuries. Trump also repeated his lies about the 2020 election and claimed that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court admitted that ballots in 2020 were counted when they weren’t. Trump later appeared to hint that he may announce a 2024 presidential run during his upcoming rally in Ohio on Monday.
“To make our country successful, safe and glorious, I probably have to [run] again,” Trump said. “Stay tuned.”
