Matt Gaetz, the former Florida congressman, has embarked on a new endeavor by offering personalized video messages on the Cameo platform. This move follows his recent decision not to return to Congress and after he withdrew from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general.
Gaetz joined Cameo shortly after stepping back from the political spotlight. On this platform, he provides paid video messages, including holiday greetings, marriage congratulations, and career pep talks, each costing at least $550. His videos typically clock in at just under two minutes. In these messages, Gaetz references his time in Congress and a brief consideration for the U.S. Attorney General position, a nomination that ultimately did not come to fruition.
His decision to step down from the attorney general nomination came amidst several allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has denied. These accusations involved claims of inappropriate conduct with minors, but the Justice Department investigation concluded without any charges. With his resignation, a House Ethics Committee probe into these claims also ended.
Gaetz’s move to Cameo is not unique among political figures with controversial pasts. He follows in the footsteps of former politicians like George Santos and Rod Blagojevich, who have also turned to the platform amidst legal and ethical controversies. These personalities use Cameo as a supplemental source of income and a way to maintain a public presence.
The platform, launched in 2017, allows fans to purchase videos from celebrities for special occasions, and Gaetz has embraced this trend. In one particular video, he congratulated a recipient on their career milestone while humorously comparing their success with his recent experiences.
Despite the controversies surrounding his career, Gaetz remains active on social media, engaging with an audience that aligns with his political ideology. His videos often include remarks about political figures and current events, keeping his rhetoric consistent with his past political stances.
Matt Gaetz’s transition from Congress to Cameo highlights a shift in his career path, leveraging his public persona in a new medium. As he navigates this venture, it underscores the evolving landscape of how public figures engage with their audiences beyond traditional roles.
Source: NBC Miami