Following a sparring match with a Democratic colleague this week during a hearing, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) is sharing some personal information.
Gaetz is publicly introducing people to his adopted son, Nestor. In a tweet on Thursday, the Florida lawmaker wrote, “For all those wondering, this is my son Nestor. We share no blood but he is my life.”
Emphasizing that his son came to the U.S. “legally, of course,” Gaetz shared that Nestor came to the country from Cuba just over six years ago — when he was 12 years old — and lives with him in Florida.
“I am so proud of him and raising him has been the best, most rewarding thing I’ve done in my life,” the Florida Republican wrote.
See a photo of the two of them below:
For all those wondering, this is my son Nestor. We share no blood but he is my life. He came from Cuba (legally, of course) six years ago and lives with me in Florida.
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) June 18, 2020
I am so proud of him and raising him has been the best, most rewarding thing I’ve done in my life. pic.twitter.com/JB96wzOzYU
In another tweet, Gaetz publicly shared more information about his adopted son, explaining how Nestor just turned 19 years old and will be heading to university.
Nestor turned 19 a few days ago & will be off to University. He arrived here at 12.
As you can imagine, I was triggered when (to make an absurd debate point) a fellow congressman diminished the contributions of Republicans because we don’t raise non-white kids.
Well, I have.
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) June 18, 2020
Apparently sharing more about the confrontation with Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.) during Wednesday’s hearing on police reform, Gaetz said, “As you can imagine, I was triggered when (to make an absurd debate point) a fellow congressman diminished the contributions of Republicans because we don’t raise non-white kids. Well, I have.”
It seems Gaetz was referring to the hearing the day prior where he clashed with Richmond, as IJR previously reported.
See the exchange below:
"Who in the hell do you think you are?"
— The Hill (@thehill) June 18, 2020
FIERY: Rep. Cedric Richmond and Rep. Matt Gaetz spar during House debate pic.twitter.com/oIpBFfGa2N
“Are you suggesting that you’re certain that none of us have non-white children? Because you reflect on your black son, and you said none of us could understand,” Gaetz said at one point to Richmond during the heated exchange.
Richmond quickly responded, “Matt, Matt, stop. I’m not about to get sidetracked about the color of our children.” After some back and forth, Gaetz later added, “You’re claiming you have more concern for my family than I do? Who in the hell do you think you are?”
Later, Richmond asked, “Was that a nerve?” to which Gaetz responded, “Yeah, you’re damn right it was a nerve.”
