Tucker Carlson asks Matt Gaetz whether he ever dated AOC during their time together in Congress

WOODSTOCK, MAINE: Former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz appeared on 'The Tucker Carlson Show' this week, where the conversation briefly turned toward Democratic firebrand Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

During the interview, Carlson asked Gaetz about his interactions with AOC on Capitol Hill, prompting commentary on how the January 6 Capitol riot changed congressional dynamics. Carlson also asked Gaetz whether he had ever dated the congresswoman. Gaetz laughed off the question and said he had never gone out with her. 

Matt Gaetz denies dating AOC

During the discussion, Gaetz claimed that prior to January 6, AOC was far more cordial toward Republican lawmakers than she later became.

He said she was "chummy" with some GOP members and would occasionally stop to talk across party lines.

"AOC is a very different person today than when she got to Congress," Gaetz said.

Gaetz recalled that AOC had once complimented him for helping engineer the ouster of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, saying she respected the move despite their ideological differences.

The exchange took a more personal turn when Carlson bluntly asked Gaetz whether he had ever dated or tried to date AOC. Gaetz laughed off, adding that she was "not my cup of tea."

He went on to argue that after January 6, her demeanor toward Republicans hardened significantly, claiming she began treating GOP lawmakers as if they were "monsters."

Carlson mocked AOC's claim that she suffered trauma on January 6.

"You can’t be in charge of anything if you’re a terrified little girl," Gaetz said.

AOC’s past statements on the Capitol riot

AOC has repeatedly spoken publicly about her experience during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.

She has said she believed she might die that day as rioters breached the building and chaos spread through congressional offices.

The congresswoman later detailed hiding in her office and being unsure whether those entering were law enforcement or part of the mob.

The Matt Gaetz-Tucker Carlson connection

Gaetz and Carlson have a long and sometimes controversial media history.

Carlson interviewed Gaetz on Fox News in 2021 amid allegations that the former congressman had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl. 

Carlson later described it as "one of the strangest interviews he had ever conducted." Gaetz denied all allegations at the time, and no charges were ultimately filed.