Rep. Gaetz eyes early retirement to take job in news media: report

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) has reportedly told people close to him that he may not seek re-election as he eyes taking a job at Newsmax, a conservative news outlet championed by former President Trump.

"Three sources with direct knowledge of the talks" told Axios that Gaetz has had "early conversations with the network about what a position could look like."

Gaetz, 38, was an outspoken supporter of Trump and a member of the more conservative wing of the Republican Party. He's only in his second term, having first taken office to serve as U.S. representative for Florida's 1st congressional district since 2017. From 2010 to 2016, Gaetz represented Florida's 4th House district in the Florida House of Representatives.

But Axios said "Gaetz has told some of his allies he’s interested in becoming a media personality, and floated taking a role at Newsmax."

"Some critics now say Fox is not conservative enough for their tastes, providing an opening for Newsmax and the One America News Network (OANN). Gaetz has previously toyed with the idea of running for higher office," said the liberal political website.

Democrats now control the U.S. House, and the party out of power often sees early retirements from the chamber. Gaetz appears often on various news networks and is reportedly looking for new role in media, which could give him a wider platform to run for a higher office.