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Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) stirred significant controversy on Wednesday by posting a picture on X (formerly Twitter) of himself holding a handgun adorned with an image of former President Donald Trump’s criminal mugshot from Fulton County, Georgia. Above the image, Gaetz wrote, “Get ready.”
Trump’s mugshot, taken during the election racketeering case brought by Georgia prosecutor Fani Willis, has rapidly become a symbol of his political grievances. It even appears on campaign merchandise, underscoring its significance in Trump’s narrative, reported Raw Story.
While many Trump supporters on social media cheered Gaetz’s image, numerous other commenters expressed horror. The photo suggested a threat of political violence and displayed poor firearm handling. Paul Iskajyan, a communications official for Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA), remarked, “The right is ready for political violence and it should probably be getting more attention. Also, take your finger off the trigger.”
The account @BGhimself simply wrote, “Strange fetish.”
Even some self-identified conservative and Trump-supporting accounts criticized Gaetz’s handling of the weapon. @az_cactusflower commented, “I am triggered…by your lack of trigger safety. Rule number one of firearm safety: treat every weapon like it’s loaded. Never put your finger on the trigger until you intend to fire it [facepalm emoji] these are basics come on now.”
Similarly, @Mr_MonkeyMatt, who identifies as a Trump supporter, added, “Do Not Be Like This Guy! Fingers stay Off the Trigger.”
Gaetz, a far-right lawmaker aligned with Trump, is infamous for leading the charge to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from office last year. This action triggered widespread chaos among Republicans for weeks. Gaetz’s move was seen as retaliation for McCarthy’s refusal to terminate an Ethics Committee investigation into Gaetz over allegations of sexual contact with a minor, drug use, improper gift acceptance, and obstruction.
The FBI investigated claims of underage sex trafficking involving Gaetz and secured a guilty plea from one of his associates. However, the investigation concluded without charges against Gaetz himself.
The photo and Gaetz’s accompanying comment have reignited debates over the responsible use of firearms and the rising tensions in political discourse. Critics argue that such actions by a sitting congressman could exacerbate political polarization and potentially incite violence. As Gaetz continues to be a polarizing figure in American politics, his latest post is likely to keep him in the spotlight, for better or worse.
