The New York Times' "The Daily" and Matt Gaetz

• 💡 Megyn Kelly discusses her reaction to The New York Times' "The Daily" podcast episode on Matt Gaetz, noting that the piece intended to portray him negatively but instead made her a fan.
• 🎯 The podcast aimed to explain Trump's choice of Gaetz as Attorney General and make listeners fear him, but Kelly found it amusing and counterproductive.

Gaetz's Loyalty and Political Style

• 🔑 The discussion highlights Gaetz's unflagging loyalty to Donald Trump, contrasting with the traditional independence of the Attorney General's office.
• 🗣️ Kelly points out Gaetz's consistent defense of Trump during his presidency and even into the Biden administration, citing his support for the travel ban and criticism of Obamacare.
• 🚀 Gaetz is described as a "street fighter" who understands Trump's controversial nature and is willing to engage in public spectacles, such as storming a closed-door impeachment hearing.

Allegations and Investigations

• ⚖️ The podcast addressed allegations against Gaetz, including a potential relationship with a 17-year-old and drug use, which he denies.
• 🚫 Despite the allegations, the Department of Justice did not bring charges, and a subsequent House investigation was rendered moot by his resignation.
• 🤝 Kelly notes Gaetz's contentious relationship with Kevin McCarthy, highlighting how Gaetz made McCarthy's speakership election difficult, suggesting this history of defiance is attractive to Trump.

Trump's Motivation and the DOJ

• 🎯 Kelly interprets Trump's potential appointment of Gaetz as Attorney General as a signal of his intent to use the DOJ as a "weapon" for retribution against opponents and a shield against investigations.
• ⚠️ While Kelly acknowledges the controversial nature of using the DOJ in this manner, she expresses a desire for accountability, suggesting that those who have allegedly weaponized the DOJ against Trump should face consequences.
• 🏛️ She argues that the DOJ has not been a truly independent office for a long time, and whether Gaetz uses "brass knuckles" instead of "pristine ones" is less important than his perceived effectiveness as a loyalist.