The Liberty Score is a rating system assessing how closely an individual’s views align with core Libertarian principles. Scores are based on a 0-100 scale, with 100 representing a fully Libertarian position and 0 representing complete opposition to Libertarian values. The grading criteria include:

  1. Personal Freedom (25 points): Support for individual rights in personal choices, including medical freedom, privacy, and bodily autonomy.
  2. Economic Freedom (25 points): Advocacy for a free-market economy, low taxation, and minimal government interference in business.
  3. Limited Government (25 points): Commitment to reducing the size and scope of government, limiting regulatory power, and upholding states’ rights.
  4. Non-Intervention (25 points): Opposition to unnecessary foreign entanglements, support for a non-interventionist foreign policy, and minimal military presence abroad.

Each category will be scored, then averaged to form the individual’s overall Liberty Score, providing a clear snapshot of their alignment with Libertarian ideals. Grades are provided by AI

MATT GAETZ

ATTORNEY GENERAL
Status: Withdrew Candidacy
Liberty Score: 70
Warhawk Status: Neutral

Liberty Score Assessment:

  • Personal Freedom (20/25): Matt Gaetz has been a vocal advocate for individual liberties, particularly in opposing government overreach and supporting Second Amendment rights. However, his stance on certain social issues may not fully align with Libertarian views on personal freedom.
  • Economic Freedom (20/25): Gaetz supports free-market principles and has advocated for reduced government intervention in the economy. His positions on tax cuts and deregulation align with Libertarian economic values.
  • Limited Government (15/25): While Gaetz promotes limited government in economic affairs, his support for certain national security measures suggests a willingness to endorse government intervention in specific areas.

  • Non-Intervention (15/25): Gaetz has expressed skepticism about foreign interventions and has advocated for a more restrained foreign policy, aligning with Libertarian non-interventionist principles.

Bio:

Matt Gaetz, former U.S. Representative from Florida’s 1st congressional district, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Attorney General. Known for his vocal support of conservative policies, Gaetz has been a prominent member of the House Judiciary Committee, actively participating in oversight and investigative efforts. He holds a high Liberty Score of 92% from the Conservative Review, reflecting his alignment with limited government and constitutional conservatism. Gaetz is not considered a warhawk, advocating instead for a restrained foreign policy and opposing prolonged military engagements, aligning with an “America First” perspective.

Career Highlights:

  • U.S. Representative for Florida’s 1st District (2017–2024): Served on the Judiciary and Armed Services Committees, with significant involvement in legislative oversight.
  • High Liberty Score: Earned a 92% rating from the Conservative Review’s Liberty Score, showcasing a strong commitment to conservative and libertarian principles.
  • Foreign Policy Stance: Known for his non-interventionist approach, Gaetz has consistently opposed extended military interventions, advocating for a cautious U.S. foreign policy.
  • Legal Background: Practiced law in Florida before his congressional career, focusing on constitutional and criminal law, which provided a foundation for his work in federal oversight.

About the Attorney General Role:

The Attorney General heads the U.S. Department of Justice, overseeing federal law enforcement, legal affairs, and the fair administration of justice. The Attorney General also advises the President on legal matters and represents the United States in key legal cases. Gaetz’s appointment suggests a focus on limited government intervention and strict adherence to constitutional values, consistent with his legislative record. His legal background and commitment to individual liberties are expected to guide his approach to federal law enforcement and judicial priorities in the role.

Matt Gaetz Withdraws from Attorney General Nomination Amid Controversy:

On November 21, 2024, former Representative Matt Gaetz announced his withdrawal from consideration for the position of Attorney General in the upcoming Trump administration. Gaetz cited that his confirmation process had become a “distraction” to the transition efforts.

Gaetz’s nomination faced significant scrutiny due to ongoing investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use. The House Ethics Committee had been investigating these claims, which Gaetz has consistently denied, labeling them as politically motivated.

In his statement, Gaetz expressed appreciation for the support he received but emphasized the need for the Department of Justice to be “ready on Day 1,” indicating that the prolonged confirmation process could hinder the administration’s objectives.

The withdrawal leaves President-elect Trump to nominate a new candidate for Attorney General, a critical role in the administration’s law enforcement and legal strategy. The selection will be closely watched, given the controversies surrounding Gaetz’s nomination and the importance of the position.