Former Republican congressman and right-wing media personality Matt Gaetz has delivered a stark electoral forecast, predicting Republicans will lose their House majority in the 2028 midterm elections. Gaetz made the claims during a Tuesday appearance on Tucker Carlson's popular podcast.
A Bold Political Prognosis for 2028
In a detailed discussion on the upcoming electoral cycle, Gaetz told Carlson he believes the Republicans will lose their majority in the House of Representatives, paving the way for current Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to become Speaker. However, Gaetz framed this potential Democratic victory as a poisoned chalice.
"The candy becomes the poison for Democrats," Gaetz stated, arguing that a Democratic-controlled House would overreach in the final two years of what he described as President Donald Trump's second term. He forecasted a public backlash that would reshape the following presidential race.
"Democrats win the midterms, they execute a series of ransom-like shutdowns on Trump, the country gets weary of that and probably elects JD Vance president in 2028," Gaetz predicted. He also presented an alternative hypothesis, suggesting fellow right-wing media figure Steve Bannon could run for president on an economic agenda mirroring Senator Elizabeth Warren's wealth tax proposals.
Allegations of Foreign Interference
The conversation took a controversial turn when Carlson questioned Gaetz about allegations detailed in a 2024 House Ethics report. Gaetz, who has consistently denied claims he paid underage women for sex and was never charged, made explosive new assertions.
"Israel was involved in an op to silence me," Gaetz told Carlson. He elaborated, saying, "It was troubling and concerning to me that someone who was getting paid by the Israeli government was involved in a criminal shakedown of a US congressman."
Gaetz claimed an Israeli government official was involved in the matter, though he noted there was never a full investigation into the extent of the Israeli government's role. Despite these claims, Gaetz insisted he remains pro-Israel, but criticised the Netanyahu government, stating, "what the Netanyahu government is doing to Israel is bad for Israel."
From Congress to Controversial Pundit
Gaetz's political trajectory adds context to his remarks. The former Florida representative resigned from Congress last year after a brief and contentious nomination to serve as Trump's attorney general following the 2024 presidential election.
His nomination was withdrawn by the White House after significant pushback from senators, including members of his own party, who were concerned by the unresolved allegations against him. Following his departure, his congressional seat was filled by former Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.
Now a prominent voice on right-wing media, Gaetz's predictions and allegations reflect the increasingly speculative and charged discourse surrounding future US elections and the lingering shadows of past scandals.
