Rep. Matt Gaetz Could Retire Early for Newsmax Job

Lightning rod Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) has privately told confidants he's seriously considering not seeking re-election and possibly leaving Congress early for a job at Newsmax, Axios reported on Tuesday.

When reached by email regarding the report, Newsmax told OutKick the network "does not comment on possible talent discussions or plans the network may have underway."

It's not clear if Gaetz and Newsmax have discussed an exact role, but the report adds that the two sides have had early conversations.

Newsmax could quickly insert Gaetz into a contributor role, with appearances across all of the network's programs. Or Newsmax could use Gaetz prominently, building a show around him. Newsmax needs to fill out a full lineup and may view Gaetz as a possible future weekday TV host.

Newsmax's lineup is flexible. Its top show, Greg Kelly Reports, airs at 7 pm ET, outside of traditional 8-11 pm primetime hours.

Gaetz has frequently appeared on Fox News' Hannity, growing his presence as a TV personality. With Tuesday's report, it wouldn't be shocking to see Fox News, OANN, or other conservative media outlets also engage in a conversation with Gaetz about his post-political career.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, 38, has grown in popularity ever since he began fiercely and consistently defending former president Donald Trump, who has promoted and appeared on Newsmax.