Rep. Matt Gaetz stirred controversy with a morning post on X, declaring he is “standing back and standing by, Mr. President.” The post features a photo of Gaetz standing behind former President Donald Trump inside the Manhattan criminal courthouse.
Gaetz’s Remark Recalls Trump’s 2020 Statement
The Florida Republican’s comment directly references Trump’s 2020 instruction to the far-right group, the Proud Boys, when he was asked whether he condemned their tactics. “Stand back and stand by,” Trump told them at the time. The Proud Boys, led by Enrique Tarrio, interpreted this as a call to action, using it to boost recruitment.
Connection to January 6th Capitol Attack
Trump’s comment and subsequent calls for a “wild” protest in Washington, D.C., following the 2020 election spurred Proud Boys members to participate in the January 6th Capitol breach. Tarrio and several associates are now serving prison sentences for seditious conspiracy related to the attack.
Gaetz’s Photo from the Courthouse
Gaetz’s post includes a photo with a blurry Trump in the foreground. Gaetz is pictured alongside a court officer and other Trump allies, standing behind Trump as he heads into the courtroom. This image has drawn significant attention, given its timing and historical echoes.
Implications of Gaetz’s Statement
Gaetz’s statement and its historical connotations have sparked discussions about his intentions and the broader political implications. His allusion to a controversial moment in Trump’s presidency raises questions about the alignment and messaging of Trump’s supporters as they navigate legal and political battles.
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