This just in: Matt Gaetz can’t do anything right. Not. One. Thing.
The antigay congressman had his Florida law license suspended this week after failing to pay his annual dues to The Florida Bar, resulting in the organization deeming him “delinquent” and “not eligible” to practice law in his own state.
In Gaetz’s defense, he has a lot of other expenses at the moment. Most notably, the powerful team of high profile New York attorneys he’s been paying to help in the teen sex trafficking federal investigation against him.
According to Gaetz’s camp, he intentionally let his law license lapse.
How about we take this to the next level?
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“Congressman Gaetz is no longer actively engaged in the practice of law,” said his office’s communications director, Joel Valdez. “He is focused on representing his constituents in Congress, not the courtroom.”
But the Daily Beast spoke to four separate attorneys who all said that excuse doesn’t pass the sniff test.
Usually, if a person wants to take a step back from practicing law, they’ll pay a $175 fee to remain “inactive” but still a “member in good standing.” They won’t just stop paying their dues and let their license lapse without informing anyone.
“He clearly doesn’t take his law license very seriously when he doesn’t take the time to pay the $265 dues,” Daniel Uhlfelder, a Santa Rosa Beach attorney who lives in Gaetz’s district, says. “He’s not a serious lawyer. He’s not a serious congressman. He’s not a serious person. This is one small but symbolic example of that.”
Mere hours after the news broke, and after his own office said he was no longer interested in practicing law, Gaetz tweeted a letter dated today stating that he was once again in good standing with The Florida Bar.
“Thank you Florida Bar!” he tweeted at 11:40 a.m., along with a signed missive from Cynthia B. Jackson confirming he’s still a lawyer after all.
But because, as we’ve already established, Gaetz can’t do anything right, he forgot to blackout his home address at the top of the letter, so now everybody knows where he lives. His new wife, Ginger, must be thrilled about that.
Thank you Florida Bar! pic.twitter.com/FYrbsYqQcT
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) October 22, 2021
Here’s how people are reacting…
Thank you Florida Bar! pic.twitter.com/ysR1zzBMxJ
— Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) October 22, 2021
The date on this document is today. The story came out today. Who did you a favor Matty? Someone else you bribe? Because this is pretty convenient.
— MoniqueR1103 (@MoniqueR1103) October 22, 2021
Thanks for sharing your home address. “Niceville?” Oh, how ironic.
— Sunny “Burl” Daze (@Sunny_Burl_Daze) October 22, 2021
Nothing as low as the FL bar where someone under sex traffic investigation can practice law.
— Sucy (@SucyPerry) October 22, 2021
You’ve thanked lots of Florida bars, right Matt? pic.twitter.com/Tb4iuRFcYe
— ️️⚧️ (@Nanageddon57) October 22, 2021
maybe don’t publish your address online? just a thought
— Jennifer (@jennknut) October 22, 2021
Congrats on finally paying for something that isn’t sex
— Pinche-Pastor of the Middle Finger (@Pinche_Pi) October 22, 2021
I think you have to worry about the other kind of bars, Matty pic.twitter.com/pqRTnlMvGq
— S҉p҉o҉o҉k҉y҉ Streets for Democracy (@Streets4Dreamin) October 22, 2021
BREAKING: Alleged teen fanatic and forgetful DUI suspect, finally pays his bar tab.
— K.C. Banks – Chronic Re-Tweeter (@kenbax47) October 22, 2021
I’ve heard of shotgun weddings. I guess shotgun Bar certifications are the next new thing.
— MaryContrary (@contrarymary197) October 22, 2021
Did you Venmo them your dues?
— Mike Nolan 🇺🇸☘️ (@mnolan49) October 22, 2021
That’s probably the only bar in Florida that Matt Gaetz hasn’t been to.
— MattGaetzAnus (@MattGaetzAnus) October 22, 2021
Graham Gremore is the Features Editor and a Staff Writer at Queerty. Follow him on Twitter @grahamgremore.
GayEGO
Ha ha ha! And yet he is in the House? He should be expelled for his stupidity!
Mister P
It’s more troubling that he is a lawmaker than a lawyer.
Fahd
Neglecting/Forgetting to pay professional license renewal fees on time is a typical substance abuser f*ck up, so it may be another signal of what is ailing the “Congressman”. Most state bar associations offer assistance to members with addiction issues, and if Gaetz does have such a problem, he should avail himself of the help available.
Bengali
Please spread the hashtag – #SubpoenaNestor Kid has got to know something about Matt’s “dealings”. I think Justice Department should not only subpoena Nestor for any knowledge he may have of Matt’s alleged “underage” escapades but also Nestor would probably know if Gaetz had any involvement in January 6 government overthrow attempts. The kid won’t risk losing his citizenship or resident alien status. He’d be obliged to tell the truth.
donknightner
Funny part is that he and his wife seem to be living in Mommy and Daddy’s house. The listing is actually owned by:
Ownership Information
GAETZ DONALD & VICTORIA
P O BOX 4706
SEASIDE, FL 32459
He hasn’t even paid for his own abode. Pathetic.
jcool
HA! i love this one.
Heywood Jablowme
I’ve been told that basements are uncommon in Florida, most houses don’t have them (is this true?) but I hope they’re living in Matt’s high school basement.
Invader7
He has those CREEPY half lidded Roy Cohn alleged drug user eyes. I’m sure the females he’s boinked really loved looking into his psycho eyes !!!
OhHellNo
Matt, it’s Donald. You’re gonna have to make your mouth smaller than that if you expect him to feel it.