In a surprising turn of events, Matt Gaetz was designated as president-elect Donald Trumphis attorney general. In his announcement Wednesday, Trump praised the Florida congressman as “a champion of the Constitution and the rule of law,” adding, “Matt will root out systemic corruption at the DOJ and return the department to its true mission of fighting crime and upholding our democracy and Constitution. We must have honesty, integrity and transparency at the DOJ.”

Over the past eight years, Gaetz has built a reputation as one of Trump’s staunchest allies in Congress, and it appears to have paid off. While such positions typically go to senior politicians with extensive legal experience, Gaetz has been able to forge his own path.

Here’s a closer look at his legal background, political career and the status of ongoing investigations into his conduct.

Where did Gaetz go to school?

Gaetz earned his undergraduate degree from Florida State University before attending William & Mary Law School.

Is Gaetz a lawyer?

Gaetz earned his J.D. from William & Mary Law School in 2007 and was admitted to the Florida Bar the following year. He then worked in private practice at a firm in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., before launching his campaign for state representative in 2010.

In 2021, the Florida Bar briefly suspended his license for unpaid fees, but as of Nov. 13, the association’s website lists him as a member in good standing.

How long has Gaetz been involved in politics?

From 2010 to 2016, Gaetz served in the Florida House of Representatives before being elected to the US House of Representatives, where he has been re-elected every two years since 2016.

Is Gaetz under investigation?

As of 2019, Gaetz has been the subject of a years-long investigation by the Department of Justice into allegations of sex trafficking and obstruction of justice. In 2023, the DOJ concluded its investigation and decided not to press charges. The investigation into Gaetz stemmed from an investigation into his former friend, Joel Greenbergthe former Seminole County tax collector who was sentenced in 2022 to 11 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including sex trafficking with a minor and exposing the minor to other “grown men.”

The House Ethics Committee subsequently launched its own investigation into Gaetz, looking into allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, accepting improper gifts, granting special privileges and favors to individuals with whom he had personal relationships, and attempting to obstruct investigations government about his behavior. .

However, following Gaetz’s resignation from Congress on Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson clarified that the Ethics Committee’s ongoing investigation into the trafficking allegations will be closed and no report will be issued.

According to CBS News, Gaetz has sought a preemptive pardon from Trump for any potential crimes related to the investigation before the president leaves office in January 2021.