Matt Gaetz Pitches Discount Code For Ivermectin On TV Show, Claims It 'Helped So Many During Covid'

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz used his new job as news anchor at OAN to promote ivermectin, a drug used to treat parasites in both humans and animals which was wrongly touted as a cure for Covid-19 during the early stages of the pandemic, especially by Republicans and skeptics of treatments recommended by health authorities.

"You probably heard about ivermectin, the medication that has been making the waves for years and helped so many during Covid. But let's be honest, finding a reliable source to get it is not as easy as it should be," Gaetz said during a passage of "The Matt Gaetz Show."

The Food And Drug Administration (FDA) reiterated in April 2024 that "there is still interest" in ivermectin for the "prevention or treatment of Covid-19 in humans," but clarified that it has not "authorized or approved the use of ivermectin to prevent or treat Covid-19 in humans or animals."

Regardless, Gaetz went on to promote a pharmacy selling the drug and gave a personal discount code for it: "They're making it simple and straightforward to get ivermectin. It's all made in the USA and not imported from India or China." He then claimed that "leaders like RFK Jr. have been outspoken about the importance of medical freedom" and warned viewers to not "wait for someone else to decide what's best for you and your family." "Make America healthy again," he concluded.

The ad came on the same day as Gaetz confirmed that he is contemplating a run for Florida governor as Ron DeSantis nears the end of Florida's two-term limit. "Yesterday the Tampa Bay Times texted me asking if I was considering running for Governor of Florida. And of course I am! I am the true Florida man after all," he said.

"Lots of Florida republicans would be pretty excited," Gaetz added, citing a Kaplan Strategies poll that shows him with an early lead in the gubernatorial race.

He emphasized his concern over Florida's ongoing insurance crisis, promising to prioritize consumer interests over corporate profits. "I have a compelling vision for the state," Gaetz told the Tampa Bay Times, adding that he would position himself as "the most pro-consumer candidate on the Republican side."

However, not all share his optimism, especially after the House Ethics Committee found evidence that he paid tens of thousands of dollars to women for sex or drugs on at least 20 occasions, including paying a 17-year-old girl for sex in 2017. The bombshell report concluded that Gaetz violated Florida state laws, including the state's statutory rape law.

The report may have killed any chancesGaetz had to remain in mainstream politics— unless a key player comes in. "Many implications of this [report] becoming official, but one of the non-legal ones is that Gaetz's career in elected office is probably done," Lakshya Jain, an election forecaster said on X. "Virtually no chance he wins the 2026 Florida gubernatorial primary (unless Trump pulls out all the stops for him and the field is split)."