Four years of watching "ah well, nevertheless" play out on the national stage proved that Donald Trump won't let anything stick to him. That includes his the actions of his most ardent supporters.
CNN reports that the third Teflon Don is distancing himself from embattled Florida congressman Matt Gaetz. According to unnamed sources who spoke to the network, aides inside Trump's circle denied a request for a meeting between Trump and Gaetz after allegations against Gaetz dropped. The Panhandle Republican is under investigation for a potentially illegal relationship with a minor and this is a bridge too far for the man on the Access Hollywood tape (or his gophers, at least).
Gaetz's office and a Trump spokesman both denied that a meeting was ever requested. Gaetz called the story a "total lie" and demanded a retraction on Twitter.
This is a total lie.
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) April 12, 2021
I am on a pre-planned vacation with my fiancée. I was welcomed at Trump Doral days ago.
No such meeting was denied nor sought.
Gabby, “unnamed sources” lied.
When can we expect a retraction? https://t.co/6oaW7JlXUt
To deny a meeting does seem odd, as Trump has had no problem sticking his neck out for Gaetz since news of the investigation broke. He countered a story about Gaetz seeking a pardon with an official statement on his "not-quite-the-president" letterhead.
Donald Trump statement on @mattgaetz, refuting NYT report that he sought a preemptive pardon & noting Gaetz’s repeated denials. Marks Trump’s first defense of Gaetz pic.twitter.com/VXHe5BBXSR
— Emily Brooks (@emilyelarsen) April 7, 2021
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