Elaine Godfrey: “Gaetz has always sought political relevance and power. Dismissed by many, including GOP colleagues, as a self-promoter, Gaetz’s superpower has been understanding far more clearly than they do how power works in the Trumposphere. And that insight has enabled him to become consigliere to the former and soon-to-be president.” Said Democratic consultant Steve Schale: “For all the things people say about Gaetz that are true, the one thing about Matt that people don’t fully respect is that the guy is not an idiot.” “Now is when Gaetz’s hard work starts to pay off—even if the Senate declines to confirm him.”