President-elect Donald Trump nominee Matt Gaetz has received backlash from numerous Christian organizations over sexual assault allegations against him.
Matt Gaetz, a former Florida representative, is Trump’s pick for US attorney general — a position that oversees the Justice Department.
Gaetz was previously embroiled in investigations from both the Justice Department and The House Ethics Committee into whether he sexually abused and trafficked a 17-year-old girl, US News reported. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing, citing that the Justice Department’s investigation ended with no charges against him.
Christian anti-trafficking groups, advocacy groups, and scholars have rallied online, with many signing and sending letters to Congress. They are calling for Gaetz to put the allegations of sex-trafficking to rest before the confirmation process begins.
Gaetz allegedly sex-trafficked minor
Trump announced Gaetz’ nomination last week, stating that he will “root out the systemic corruption at DOJ” and return it “to its true mission of fighting crime and upholding our democracy and constitution.”
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Gaetz, strong supporter of Trump, is a member of a First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, according to his website.
In 2020, the Justice Department opened an investigation in Gaetz, the New York Times reported. He was accused of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and paying for her to travel across state lines, which is a human trafficking violation.
Investigators questioned if Gaetz used campaign funds to pay for the girl’s travel, whether Gaetz had asked women to recruit others for sex, and if drugs were involved, according to The New York Times.
In 2023, the Department announced they weren’t going to bring any charges against him because it did not feel it had a strong enough case against him, The New York Times reported.
Gaetz faced similar accusations again in 2021 when the House Ethics Committee started looking into him, according to a statement from the committee. The committee started to create a report on Gaetz based on information from a dozen witnesses, 25 subpoenas, and thousands of pages of documents.
The committee said it examined whether Gaetz had “engaged in sexual misconduct and/or illicit drug use, shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use, and/or accepted a bribe, improper gratuity, or impermissible gift.”
Gaetz has “categorically denied all of the allegations,” the committee noted.
However, the release of this report was abruptly halted days before its release when Gaetz resigned from his congressional seat. His resignation followed shortly after he was nominated by Trump, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla said.
Congressmen from both parties are calling on the committee to release Gaetz’ report despite this, US News said.
Christian organizations oppose Gaetz
Since then, numerous Christian organizations have called for the truth about Gaetz to be revealed.
Shared Hope International, a Christian anti-trafficking organization, said Gaetz should not be confirmed until the House Ethics Committee can clear him of sex-trafficking allegations.
“The office of Attorney General requires the highest ethical conduct and public trust,” Linda Smith, founder and CEO of Shared Hope International, said in a statement. “We urge Congressman Gaetz to put the allegations of sex trafficking to rest before appearing before the Senate Confirmation Committee.”
Smith noted that Gaetz will be leading the Justice Department, which is the leading agency for combatting sex-trafficking cases, including the criminal case against Sean “P Diddy” Combs.
🚨 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 🚨 No Senate confirmation until House Ethics Committee report clears AG nominee Matt Gaetz of sex trafficking allegations. What are your thoughts on this situation? https://t.co/1BNsL1riC1#Politics #BreakingNews #MattGaetz pic.twitter.com/sDhTEfhtrb
— SharedHope Int'l (@SharedHope) November 14, 2024
Shared Hope International also signed a letter alongside more than 100 anti-trafficking organizations challenging Gaetz’s nomination. Some of the signers include faith-based anti-trafficking groups such as Exodus Cry, Imago Dei Fund, Sacred Beginnings, and The Genesis Project.
“The nomination of Mr. Gaetz sends a signal to the country and the world that sexual misconduct and exploitation and corrupt behavior will not only go unpunished, but will be rewarded,” the letter said. “It is a signal to sex traffickers around the United States to continue exploiting the most vulnerable for their own profit with no consequences.”
Robert George, a conservative Catholic legal scholar who serves on the board of National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), said that he and the NCOSE have “grave concerns” about the nomination of Gaetz.
He announced on X that, “We are asking the Senate to withhold confirmation hearings for Mr. Gaetz until a full and transparent investigation is conducted into his possible role in the exploitation of young women and girls at the ‘sex parties.’”
The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), on whose board of directors I have the honor to serve, has written to the Senate Judiciary Committee to express its grave concerns about the nomination of Matt Gaetz as Attorney General:
"As an elected member of Congress, Mr.…
— Robert P. George (@McCormickProf) November 15, 2024
Additionally, Christian advocacy group Liberty Counsel said that Gaetz is “neither morally nor professionally qualified to become the United States Attorney General.”
“Gaetz should do President Trump and all of America a favor and withdraw his name from consideration,” Mathew Staver, Liberty Counsel founder and chairman, said in the statement. “America deserves better.”
From the desk of @MatStaver: Matt Gaetz is not qualified to be U.S. Attorney General. Here's why ⬇️https://t.co/S6jTG1F1aO
— Liberty Counsel (@libertycounsel) November 14, 2024
Nominee Pete Hegseth accused of assaulting a woman
Additionally, assault allegations have come out about another Trump nominee, Pete Hegseth, who the President-elect has selected to be the secretary of defense.
Hegseth is an outspoken Christian, who works as a co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend.
He was accused of having committed sexual assault in 2017 at the California Federation of Republican Women conference in Monterey, according to The Washington Post. A woman who was on staff with California Federation of Republican Women alleges that Hegseth assaulted her in his hotel room one night.
The woman was staying at the hotel with her husband.
She said her memory of the incident is hazy but after it, she went to the emergency room and received a rape-kit examination, The Post reported. The results came back positive for semen.
However, charges were never filed in the alleged sexual assault case, according to a recent statement from the City of Monterey. Hegseth acknowledges having a sexual encounter with the woman but insists it was consensual.
Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Parlatore told The Post that that on the night in question, Hegseth was “visibly intoxicated but the Complainant was not, as she led him by the arm to his hotel room.” He claimed that the woman was “the aggressor in initiating sexual activity.”
Parlatore said Hegseth later agreed to pay the woman an undisclosed amount as part of a nondisclosure agreement. Hegseth wanted to avoid any potential lawsuits out of concern for his career.
Trump’s team continues to stand behind Hegseth.
“Mr. Hegseth has vigorously denied any and all accusations, and no charges were filed. We look forward to his confirmation as United States Secretary of Defense,” said spokesman Steven Cheung.
In recent weeks, Hegseth has also made headlines for his numerous Christian tattoos. AP News reported that was flagged by a fellow service member as a possible “insider threat” in 2021 because of a tattoo that says “Deus Vult.” This is a Latin phrase that roughly translates to “God wills it.”
However, the phrase has also been used by white supremacists, according to the AP News.
Vice President-elect J.D. Vance defended Hegseth on social media stating, “They’re attacking Pete Hegseth for having a Christian motto tattooed on his arm. This is disgusting anti-Christian bigotry from the AP, and the entire organization should be ashamed of itself.”
Liz Lykins is a correspondent covering religion news for The Roys Report, WORLD Magazine, and other publications.
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74 Responses
Putting Gaetz as head of a judicial system is like putting a fox in charge of the hen house. I feel that “vile” is now a criteria for anyone who Trump wants working with him in the White House, so I guess my former comment aboutTrump (was that on here?) was valid. I suggested that he was playing along to get the fundamental, heritage, and Maga votes, but when he won, he would do as he pleases and Christian principals would be tossed aside. After all, he doesn’t have to worry about re-election, so he can do whatever he wants. Welcome to the hen house, everybody!! 🐓
Sex assault is no longer a disqualifying issue for Republicans. Trump was found by a jury to have raped a woman (finger raped). Trump endorsed several candidates for higher office who were accused of sexual assault like Hershel Walker, Roy Moore, Eric Greitins, and many others.
His first three cabinet appointees were Matt Gaetz who stands accused of sex trafficking underage girls, Pete Hegseth who has argued that unconscious drunk women can legally be raped and who was accused in a police report of doing just that, and Linda McMahon who has been named in a lawsuit for knowingly hiring a child sex offender who went on to molest children associated with professional wrestling.
Democrats in the last couple of decades, have begun to take out their trash. Republicans, not so much.
Don’t forget
Mark Robinson (until all of his horrors came to light)
RFK Jr – who has been accused of sexual assault against his babysitter. When questioned about it his answer was ” I’m not a church boy ” and acknowledged having skeletons in his closet.
This is how Trump protects women.
No accident that Trump (guilty of sexual assault) is nominating men who are (“allegedly”) guilty of the same. Both nominees should withdraw their names and Trump should confess and step down. And go do charity work (that he doesn’t steal from).
I do not think most of the Christian organizations mentioned in the article got the memo.
Evangelicals have been saying for many months that character is not important, but policy is what is important.
Never mind Goetz has been involved in all sorts of sexual perversions. Evangelicals like Speaker Mike Johnson is totally supporting Goetz’s nomination for DOJ.
I think we should also mention Evangelicals have lost their moral voice when speaking to general culture…..
Exactly. Donald Trump was convicted of sexual assault, verified sleeping with porn stars and committed adultery on all three wives. They worked hard to get him into the Presidency so why would character or morals matter for any appointee?
Phyllis Lloyd:
A choice between two evils was presented. We chose the lesser of two evils. That’s how our political system works.
“Two evils?” That’s the best you can do?!
John McDonald:
We had a choice, John, and we chose. Deal with it.
Christians chose Trump in the primary. They had lots of non-evil choices.
Also, please list the ways in which you believe Trump is evil.
If you think he was the lesser of two evils I really hope you take a moment and double check your moral compass.
Gordon Jansma:
Your words: “Evangelicals have been saying for many months that character is not important, but policy is what is important.”
BOTH are important. Do you have any direct quotes from Evangelicals supporting your statement?
Your own words, Cynthia. I encourage you to read our back and forths, and the number of times you criticized me for calling out my issues with Trump’s character with statements like, “we aren’t voting for character, we are voting for policy” (paraphrased). You presented it as an either/or rather than a yes/and.
Then there are the times you deflected, downplayed, denied or justified Trump’s outright bad behavior (which points to poor character) with comments on how he supports Israel or has other policy stances you like.
NOT ONCE did you express an ounce of concern or write even one line of “he shouldn’t have said/done that” when confronted with Trump’s demonstration of poor character. You replied with “words don’t matter, but actions do” (which is NOT what scripture says about the power of our words and how we are to watch our tongues) or a dismissive “well we all sin” (which was never said when a sin is committed by a Democrat).
So yeah, it sends a message that character doesn’t matter when it comes to policy. I’m dealing with it, but by no means am I denying it.
And yes, I remain prayerful because trusting someone who demonstrates poor character to keep promises can backfire.
Marin Heiskell:
Not ONCE did I ever say character does not matter. Not once. Again, comprehension skills seem to be lacking here. I stated quite clearly that ACTIONS matter the most. Perhaps you should re-read the parable of the two sons. Jesus was very clear that the son who actually obeyed his dad did the right thing.
Your words from another thread when I expressed concern over Trump’s foul speech: “I don’t care what someone says, I pay attention to what they do.”
This is an either/or argument that should be a yes/and.
You mention obedience. We are to obey scriptures with our WORDS too. Perhaps read Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 12:18, Matthew 15:17-19, Proverbs 15:4, James 1:26, and James 3:3-10 as a start. There are DOZENS of verses about the importance of our words. And yes, that includes the words of Trump, no matter how much you try to dismiss them.
Deflect, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender.
The DOJ dropped the charges because of lack of evidence… innocent until proven guilty? Anyone can accuse, and the accusations are about to explode on all of Trump’s picks so… just saying.
The DOJ dropped the charges because the girl were over 18 years old so there was no crime. Matt Gaetz was a 36 year old man paying teenaged girls for sex.
Pretty sure they didn’t drop it for lack of evidence, And maybe so many sexual predators are being nominated because of the saying “birds of a feather…”
CBS News just reported that Matt Gates has removed his name from consideration for the AG job! Since he also resigned from Congress days ago, my guess is he’s headed for Fox News punditry or perhaps a podcast. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Matt!
The DOJ didn’t decline to pursue charges due to “lack of evidence,” but “because it did not feel it had a strong enough case.” If you’re going to press criminal charges against a sitting politician, you want to have a mountain of over-the-top evidence to make a slam-dunk case, so you can’t be accused of apolitically motivated persecution.
If there really was a lack of evidence, why would the House Ethics Committee, which is controlled by Republicans, have gone ahead with investigating?
Yep. The Democrats were able to travel back in time, set innocent old Gaetz up, then unjustly accuse him of wrongdoing when Trump picked him. Or, maybe, when you elect a president who is himself being investigated for crimes, he might want some leverage at the top of the DOJ? No, that’s crazy to believe that might be the case.
Loren Martin:
President Trump will likely be cleared of all “crimes” resulting from his DOJ targeting. So, just as a precaution, it might be wise to stop the “investigated for crimes” comments.
Dr. Norbeck,
Trump and his supporters claim that the DOJ was weaponized against him, but then has pledged to use that same department to go after his own enemies. “It’s wrong for them to do it, but fine for me.”
Brian Roden:
President Trump has not pledged to go after his enemies. Where did you hear that?
If you follow Trump on Truth Social, his promises to prosecute and give long prison terms to anyone he believes has “cheated” can be seen. He also calls for jailing journalists who do not disclose identities of leakers (which infringes on the freedom of the press, part of the First Amendment), and promotes posts of others that list out “political enemies” that should be jailed during a second Trump term.
Luckily we have separation of the executive and judicial branches so that the POTUS can’t just imprision people based on who he feels “cheat” or are his “enemy”. That would make us like…well…Russia. (And we have seen Trump has friendly views of Putin…)
So he’s not being investigated. Got it.
Loren Martin:
Actually, Loren, it looks like all charges will be dropped even though Alvin Bragg would like to continue the law-fare against President Trump in 2029. If he does not back down, this will likely end up in the Supreme Court.
It’s not rocket science: It is illegal to prosecute a sitting President and it is illegal to use the powers of the judicial system to target a political enemy.
Cynthia – it is not illegal to prosecute a sitting POTUS.
While a POTUS cannot be prosecuted for official actions that fall under his duty, a sitting POTUS can be prosecuted for unofficial acts outside of his duty.
For example: a sitting POTUS can be prosecuted for rape, but not for destruction of documents if proven it was part of his duties (to protect the country, etc)
Let’s be clear. We cannot have straight up criminal behavior going on in the WH.
I know. Irony.
I also hope folks remember that “it’s illegal to use the DOJ to target political enemies” should Trump DO AS HE SAID HE WOULD and exact vengeance on his “enemies.”
Something tells me the excuses are coming.
Cynthia – as of today, President-elect Trump is being investigated. This is true. What may or may not or will or will not happen does not change the fact that TODAY he is being investigated. I get you are a supporter but that should not cause you to abandon the truth or to criticize those who are speaking it.
Until the courts rule or do otherwise, what Loren said is the truth.
Marin Heiskell:
“The Department of Justice (DOJ) has a continuing policy since the 1970s that sitting presidents cannot be indicted as it would unconstitutionally prevent them from performing their duties as the head of the executive branch.” (AI Google)
Further, you are not correct in stating President Trump is being investigated. He’s not. Each case only has two months to “wrap up,” so not enough time to conclude before he is President.
“The Court thus concludes that the President is absolutely immune from criminal prosecution for conduct within his exclusive sphere of constitutional authority.” (AI)
Again, Marin, there is now a winding down of all criminal cases taking place. President Trump is most definitely no longer “under investigation,” as you and Loren claim.
Cynthia –
There is a difference between prosecution (the bringing of charges, also called “prosecution by information”) and indictment (going before a grand jury to issue an indictment against someone). A sitting POTUS CAN be prosecuted and have charges brought against them (for unofficial duties, not official ones), but not indicted (cannot go before a grand jury while in office).
This is why language is important. You conflate the two (prosecution and indictment) as if neither can happen, which is incorrect.
You are also forgetting that he is President-ELECT Trump. You are quoting things that do not apply to him yet. Biden is still POTUS. And yes, there is only 2 months until Trump is sworn in, but he hasn’t been sworn in YET. You even mention “2 months to wrap up” and “winding down”…those very terms mean “still ongoing.”
Again, words matter.
Gaetz has always been known for this. He would show naked pictures of women on the house floor and talk about using ED medication for long sessions.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/01/politics/matt-gaetz-photos-women/index.html
An associate of Gaetz was convicted for sex trafficking minors.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/joel-greenberg-sentenced-sex-crimes-freind-matt-gaetz/
Multiple people have testified to him paying for sex with 17 year old girls.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/lawyer-tells-abc-news-2-clients-told-house/story?id=115863675
This is not to mention that Gaetz has almost no experience practicing law is woefully unqualified to lead the Justice Department. If Harris was President-Elect and had chosen such a person, you better believe you would be shouting from the rooftops about it.
The truth always comes out in the end & we’re living in a time where God is revealing what has been hidden for so long. I’m waiting for the full truth to come out. Calling yourself a Christian organization, doesn’t make it so. Anymore than calling yourself a chair doesn’t make it the truth.
The truth does come out in the end. Like when you pay hush money to a porn star. Then the truth comes out that evangelicals don’t even care about that sort of thing anymore. I need to go take a baby aspirin.
So Christian organizations shouldn’t call out pedophilia, sexual abusers, and lawmakers who pay for sex?
Hegseth also dumped his second wife for his current one, after getting the current one pregnant from an affair. It should be noted that under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, adultery is an offense which can subject one to a court-martial.
The Religious Right has made it clear they are going to enforce the morals they want on the US, but the character of its leaders is exempted. The end justifies the means.
Trump has always reveled in such behavior and never repented of it… the people he’s always surrounded himself with behave in like manner; so this isn’t surprising that his ‘team’ will be filled with perverts like him. And 80% of white evangelicals want to get in bed with that team…
Nobody need listen to any trump voter/supporter/institution/church ever again, if they try to talk about sexual ethics…
I wonder if they were commenting when an admitted sexual predator was elected President, again? Spare me the hypocrisy. Also, I think Hegseth claims to be a Christian would be much more accurate than stating he actually is.
Funny how their idol brags about sexual assault, but they don’t care. The Trump cult is filthy and loathsome all the way through.
What do we expect when we have two Supreme Court justices creditably accused of sexual misconduct; and elect (twice!) a president who brags of sexual assaults, is accused of multiple sexual misdeeds, found liable for sexual abuse and convicted of 34 felonies involving payments for sex.
Do we see a pattern here? Are you a part of it? Who?! Me?!
To All:
So far, the anger, disappointment and jealousy displayed here is palpable. Perhaps remaining silent until the truth comes out would be wise?
Cynthia – wouldn’t this would apply to you as well? You are quick to come on here and defend Gaetz, and are criticizing others who have a less than favorable view of him – on what ground do you stand to do so?
As for me, where there’s this much smoke from this many places over this many years, there’s fire. The fact many are scrambling to keep the findings from coming out just tells me the fire is worse. And that the nomination is for a position of authority OVER the Justice Department reeks of conflict of interest. (But that would only be called out if the Dems pulled this – we know morality only goes one way!)
Would you trust Gaetz alone with your daughter or niece?
I think there was a better choice for AG. Even Hawley.
Marin Heiskell:
Your words: “Cynthia – wouldn’t this would apply to you as well? You are quick to come on here and defend Gaetz, and are criticizing others who have a less than favorable view of him – on what ground do you stand to do so?”
Again, comprehension skills seem to be lacking here. I am not defending Gaetz, particularly since I have no idea what he actually did in the past. I am simply stating that, until we have the facts, we should probably not comment.
Comprehension skills are not lacking. I’ve noticed a few times you try to imply I’m stupid and I’m FAR from it. I just disagree with you.
And if you don’t know what Gaetz did in the past, perhaps allow those who have followed these cases that have been looming over him for YEARS to express their concerns.
If anything, these Gaetz cases (yes, plural) are all very distracting from what could and SHOULD be a smooth transition from the Biden to the Trump administration. And any student of history knows that nations are most vulnerable in times of transition, so this is not the time for such distractions.
What should be obvious to any reasonable person is that Johnson would be eager to publicize the findings of the ethics committee if Gaetz was expected to be exonerated. We keep plumbing new depths of evangelical tolerance for what should not be tolerated by any decent human being.
Jealous? Seriously Dr. Cynthia, it is more of “I told you so.”
It has barely been two weeks, yet it feels more like two years. Everyday has been an ”are you kidding day”, and we are weeks away from the inauguration.
The election was a lot closer than originally thought to be. The number one google search was “how can I change my vote?” Ha-ha! Polling showed they are learning about things they were uninformed about.
Then there are people who were aware but continue to justify all they can’t deny anyway.
Peter was confident he’d be loyal, then Jesus was arrested. Self-preservation always leads to distancing.
Honestly, you seem defensive and agitated.
We’re not jealous. We’re trying not to gloat – already. We will never be ashamed to have been associated with him. For some, that day will eventually come.
Well said, Debra. I am far from jealous. I am concerned, and telling myself to keep praying so that the concern doesn’t turn to alarm.
There is nothing to be gained from divisive gloating, when EVERYONE will experience the potential consequences from an unqualified and chaotic administration, not just those who voted for it.
Marin,
I think about the lessons of Jonestown. Jim Jones, began to require total loyalty – as his behavior became more unhinged, yet his followers made excuses, and followed along with things they KNEW were wrong. It was their downfall.
In the end, those who wanted out were slaughtered by their former friends and own family members.
It feels like we’re in a simulation experience at Epcot or something. Lol!
I believe you and I sister, would be Mary Madelynn, standing steadfast, standing alone if necessary, with faith beyond what we’re seeing.
Looks like the charges against Gaetz were fabricated since the corroborating witness said it never happened. As far as everyone else’s moral compass is concerned, King David never should have been allowed to be king of Israel. Afterall, he did sin.
Senator Markwayne Mullin and former congressman Kevin McCarthy have ALREADY given us the sleezy details of Mat Gaetz abhorrent behavior. He bragged about the things he’s now denying.
Of course, Mullin is acquiescing to pressure.
They are doing coercion tactics for all to see. They have threatened anyone who will vote no with a primary – funded by Elon Musk.
The cowardice and intimidation are in plain sight.
Trump told Bob Woodard “Power is about instilling fear.”
Roy Cohen taught him that tactic, of course that was before he was disbarred for unethical conduct and died afraid.
Please stop with the David comparisons! David said “I will not worship God with that which cost me nothing.” These people couldn’t tie David’s sandals. Stop with the ridiculous attempts to nullify the wrong doings.
Evangelicals have made their bed – now they must lie on it as well. “Women, I am your protector”, “women will be protected…whether they like it or not.” Sickening.
Every creep we stayed away from as children in the churches we grew up in were given a pass by leadership–some included the charlatan evangelist with the “too entertaining” stories of his excapades (supposedly pre-Jesus, while backslidden, etc, etc). Some of the predators were deacons. Some were pastors. Looks like they’re still around.
It was very easy to lie in those days. I thought we had turned a corner but seems it still is–if you’re rich and powerful enough. I remember my father saying in the wayback when the story grew in embellishment; “Well–he sure can take a good offering”.
Money still talks, it seems. Trump is no surprise to many of raised in church leaders’ homes.
Expect more selections just like Gaetz, Hegseth, etc, etc, etc–from a guy who knows sexual predation. “You can do anything, grab ’em by the ***sy”.
This is why I now say I left it all–for a better moral ethic than faith ever provided.
Just be a decent human being.
(We’ll be putting that on hold in the US for awhile, apparently…)
Lee File:
Your words: “women will be protected…whether they like it or not.” Sickening.
CONTEXT, Mr. File. Try it some time. This comment reveals your ignorance of the facts.
Cynthia-
You love being selective yet call others out for context.
Please tell me the context for “grab em by the **ssy”.
I’ll wait for how it wasn’t THAT that sickened you, but Lee’s comment.
Marin Heiskell:
What President Trump said in the past is disgusting, no question. Has he changed since he made that comment? I surely hope so!
You “hope” so… has he given any evidence yet that he’s repented of said famous remark or any of his other sexual predations?
I don’t trust your moral compass to tell the rest of us how trump ‘might’ have changed or not.
“”Please tell me the context for “grab em by the **ssy”.”
Locker room talk directed at a type of woman, usually described as a groupie/gold digger, that will allow men of certain status (wealth, fame, sports, bands, power (esp police, firemen, Dr’s), etc …, to do whatever they want to them because of their status, and possible benefit of said interactions.
If you believe this type of language is used only by Trump, try hanging around the grill at a neighborhood pool party (there is a reason the men group together in that location, and it isn’t the food), and be sickened at what these “family” men say when the women aren’t around.
Most of the boys, these men are raising, get the real conversations around 16/17 years old, the exception would be the kids (the snitches) that run and tell mommy everything they hear.
Is it right? Of course not, but until the churches start to teach the true meaning of adultery (under Jesus’ definition), holding the men accountable, and the fact you have to go to God, truly repent, ask for forgiveness. Then hold themselves accountable for changing these behaviors/thoughts, these type of men will never change.
These are “bureaucratic positions.” The lack of integrity is disgusting, but the lack of qualifications is equally disturbing. We need people who understand the procedures, rules, guidelines etc… for there to be progress.
You can hire your family and friends in your “mom and pop” business you inherited from your dad, where you and your kids hold all of the decision-making positions, but you are a temporary servant to this great nation, not the new owner.
Patriotism? What a joke! All of this macho bravado about blowing up everything is silly and dangerous and evil and non-productive. We are not perfect because this is not heaven, but we are the greatest nation on Earth – already.
These are ultra-wealthy people in some exclusive club or fraternity playing with our lives as if this is a board game with victimless consequences. It is not.
How do you boil a frog? Slowly. By the times he realizes the water is boiling, it is too late.
Debra – didn’t you know qualifications only enter the conversation when it comes to DEI? These are all white men so it means they are automatically qualified.
“didn’t you know qualifications only enter the conversation when it comes to DEI? These are all white men so it means they are automatically qualified.”
MH quote
“More of us would understand that you don’t change hearts by making sweeping judgements and assumptions about people.”
You clearly missed the sarcasm in my remark.
MH,
I am sorry, would you please show me an un-sarcastic version of your comment, so I can better understand your humor? Or point out the sarcasm in the remark itself?
thank you,
AT
If you followed some of the threads back when the SCOTUS ruling against using race in college admissions (which is NOT the elimination of affirmative action, yet the two are often conflated), you’d see I was making a play off of prior comments.
However, sarcasm often works where there is a hint of truth. Kamala was mocked as a “DEI hire”, implying she is unqualified and just randomly picked off the street because she’s a woman of color (even though she was elected, graduated top of her undergrad and law school classes, etc), yet NO ONE implies a white man is unqualified (even when there are valid questions about their backgrounds, experience, and subject matter expertise – like Gaetz).
Looks like this site and many commenters here have already found both Gaetz and Hegseth guilty regardless of the fact that they know literally nothing except what they’ve read in the media. Pretty shameful but not unexpected. Modern so-called Christians are gullible and tend to believe whatever they hear. Why else would they foolishly support obvious frauds like Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Bakker, Joni Lamb, Kenneth Copeland, Robert Morris, Joel Osteen… the list is endless. How many jets does Copeland own?🤣 So, all you have to do is accuse someone and get it in the press, and know-nothing “Christians” will immediately condemn the accused as being guilty.
Sophie,
This is actually “old” news. The only reason it is “back” in the news is because people are outraged, given the common knowledge regarding his behavior, and his wholly lack of qualification for such an important position.
I am sorry that “you” just heard about these old and documented transgressions. In fact, his friend, Joel, was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Somehow Matt escaped.
As Christians we are told to live aboard board so as to avoid the appearance of evil. He is not held in high regard by his peers.
Don’t shoot the messenger. The “media” provides a very important service to society. They work hard, put themselves in dangerous situations, to keep us informed. Investigative reporters are heroes. A free press is forbidden in dictatorship countries because “knowledge is power.”
Fox News and NewsMax were fined for their deliberate false reporting. Most of the other outlets are respectable and reliable, even if when you find the truth to be disconcerting.
Why have they fought to hide the report? Misplaced anger.
Matt Gaetz has a tarnished reputation, guilty or not and this will always follow him. Personally, I would like the AG to be a person who demonstrates integrity and has a flawless character because that person will constantly be under a microscope.
Attorney for gaetzsaid the woman caught Pete drunk and took advantage of him sexually probably for the attention she is getting. I don’t necessarily believe either way but what about innocent until proven guilty. That should be held first and foremost in all these cases and accusations. Folks our country is at war with itself. Our two party system seemingly gets little done because they fight so much and tie each other up. No other country or countries of the world can take the USA militarily or any other way including economically but they sure can encourage us to take ourselves down internally. I think it is time that all of us including our leaders realize we are in the same country together and work together accept each other and fight together as one team and then we will reverse lots of wrongs and continue to stand as the most powerful nation that ever was or will be as we enter the age of regenerative medicine and space faring and go out into the stars. For this work together and stop fighting among ourselves. Thank you
Ok, good point… but that means Trumpists/MAGA has to compromise and learn to live and work with people who don’t worship their idol(s)… and I think the bulk of that responsibility lies on them… they’re the ones who have clearly changed their moral compass settings… they’re the ones who don’t care about character anymore or the wicked means to get to whatever flavor ‘end’ they’ve latched on to (now whatever ‘end’ trump feeds them)
The rest of us… still believe character matters, the same as we did under Clinton, GW Bush, Obama…etc. This is the Biblical Christian position. Maga Christianity has abandoned that on some levels. It’s on them to return to the faith and the fellowship that goes along with that.
Andrew Zook:
John 3: 3:
“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
The only true believers are those who have been “born again,” which simply means they are now filled with the Holy Spirit who directs the choices they make. They are no longer under the curse of sin and they have been made new, a fresh start, a new horizon….A hope that can never be taken away by anyone or anything in this damaged world.
Perhaps some of the people you hate so much do not actually know Christ. Have you considered that possibility?
Interesting take, Cynthia.
I have recently asked the same of evangelicals: perhaps some of the “leftists” you vilify and insult so much actually DO know Christ. Have you considered that possibility?
In a bizarre twist of fate, not only is Gaetz not going to be US AG, but he also gave up his House seat. That’s a major win for sanity and decency. Good riddance. I’d like to think an honorable person would quietly walk away and find himself a job in the private sector and disappear from the public view. Oh wait! I said “honorable”, didn’t I?