Former Rep. Matt Gaetz just got blindsided by a wild question about a supposed romance with none other than progressive firebrand Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The eyebrow-raising moment came during a Monday interview with Tucker Carlson, where Gaetz was pressed on whether he ever dated the New York congresswoman, a notion he swiftly shot down, despite past bipartisan teamwork in Congress.
Let's rewind to May 2023, when Fox News host Greg Gutfeld first floated the idea of a hypothetical romance between Gaetz and Ocasio-Cortez as a jest on "The Five." At the time, Gaetz was married, and Ocasio-Cortez was engaged to her fiancé, Riley Roberts. The quip seemed like harmless banter—until it resurfaced years later.
Fast forward to Monday, when Carlson, at 56, brought the rumor back to life on his web show, asking Gaetz point-blank about any romantic history with the 36-year-old democratic socialist. Gaetz, 43 and now hosting a show on One America News, didn’t mince words in his denial. It’s a reminder of how old jokes can morph into unwelcome headlines.
During their time in Congress, Gaetz—an outspoken MAGA supporter—and Ocasio-Cortez forged an unlikely partnership on bipartisan issues. They were even photographed together on the House floor on Jan. 3, 2023. But political collaboration doesn’t mean personal connection, and conservatives might smirk at how quickly the left’s narrative spins into melodrama.
Carlson wasn’t content with a simple no, pushing further with, "Did you try?" as he quizzed Gaetz on any interest in Ocasio-Cortez. Gaetz shot back with, "No, and uh, not my cup of tea," making it clear he wasn’t entertaining the idea.
From a right-of-center view, this line of questioning feels like a cheap shot, more suited to tabloid fodder than serious discourse. Yet, it’s hard to ignore how such rumors distract from policy debates that actually impact everyday Americans. Let’s keep the focus on legislative records, not soap opera plots.
Gaetz didn’t hold back on critiquing Ocasio-Cortez’s past behavior either, recalling her reaction to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol storming. He described her response as "bad performance art," suggesting it lacked the gravitas expected of a leader. A fair conservative critique might agree—public office demands composure, not theatrics.
Ocasio-Cortez herself has spoken of experiencing trauma from the Capitol events, a claim Gaetz seems to dismiss. For many on the right, such statements can appear overblown when compared to the resilience expected of public figures. Still, it’s worth noting her perspective as part of the broader story.
Gaetz’s own journey took a sharp turn in November 2024, when he resigned from Congress after President Donald Trump nominated him for attorney general. That bid collapsed when even fellow Republicans withheld support, leading Gaetz to withdraw his name. It’s a stark reminder that political loyalty isn’t always a two-way street.
Shortly after, the House Ethics Committee released a 2021 report on allegations of sex trafficking and other misconduct tied to Gaetz. While the Justice Department declined to charge him, his associate Joel Greenberg wasn’t as fortunate, earning an 11-year sentence for federal sex trafficking of a minor. Conservatives demand transparency here—no one gets a free pass, regardless of party or position.
On a brighter note, Gaetz and his wife, Ginger, welcomed a baby boy in August 2025, a personal milestone following their 2021 marriage. It’s a humanizing detail amid the political storm, and most Americans—left or right—can appreciate family joys.
Meanwhile, Gaetz continues to build his media presence on a conservative cable network, while Ocasio-Cortez remains a prominent voice for the progressive agenda. Their paths may have diverged, but their brief alliance in Congress shows that even opposites can find common ground. Let’s hope future collaborations focus on policy, not personal rumors.
