The Facebook post claims that Matt Gaetz’s resignation will allow Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to appoint someone to fill his congressional seat by the January 3 deadline. However, this claim is false as House vacancies must be filled through elections, not appointments, according to the Constitution. DeSantis has called for a special election to fill Gaetz’s seat, as required by Florida law.
Gaetz announced his resignation on the same day that President-elect Donald Trump named him as his pick for attorney general. This move ended a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use by Gaetz, which he has denied. Despite the false claim in the post, DeSantis cannot appoint Gaetz’s successor, and the seat will be filled through a special election.
DeSantis can, however, appoint a replacement for Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who was selected by Trump as his secretary of state. The governor indicated that Rubio’s successor will likely be known by early January. The claim in the Facebook post was debunked by Reuters and USA TODAY, and it is important to rely on accurate information regarding political appointments and elections.
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