In a display of support for former President Donald Trump at his hush money trial, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz evoked language associated with the far-right extremist group, the Proud Boys. The incident highlights the presence of activist elements within Trump's base as he seeks a return to the White House.

Gaetz took to social media, posting a photo of himself with fellow congressional Republicans standing behind Trump outside the courtroom where the ongoing felony case is being heard. In the caption, he wrote, "Standing back, and standing by, Mr. President." These statements closely resemble the language used by the Proud Boys, whose leaders were convicted of seditious conspiracy following the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

During a 2020 campaign debate, Trump was asked by moderator Chris Wallace if he would condemn white supremacist and militia groups that had attended social justice protests after the death of George Floyd. Trump's response, "Proud Boys, stand back and stand by," was widely criticized for its failure to denounce their actions specifically. The Proud Boys embraced Trump's words, celebrating them on social media platforms like Telegram.

This association between Gaetz, a prominent Republican lawmaker, and the language adopted by the Proud Boys raises concerns about the ideologies present within Trump's supporters. Gaetz's intentional use of this verbiage has sparked curiosity. When asked if Gaetz intended to align himself with the Proud Boys, his spokesman responded with the statement, "the tweet speaks for itself."

Membership within the Proud Boys saw a significant surge after Trump's debate comment, with member Jeremy Joseph Bertino stating that membership "tripled, probably." Bertino, who has pleaded guilty to plotting with other Proud Boys members to disrupt the transfer of presidential power after Trump's loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 election, provided this information during a House committee investigation into the January 6 insurrection.

The Proud Boys, recognizable by their black and yellow insignia, have frequently appeared at Trump's campaign rallies, with the former president making the January 6 attack a focal point of his bid. Trump has even played a recorded chorus of incarcerated individuals, labeled as "hostages," who were involved in the attack at some of his rallies. He had previously vowed to pardon the rioters.

Gaetz, hailing from Florida, joined other conservative lawmakers who attended the trial in a show of solidarity with Trump. Similar Republican figures have made their way to the New York courthouse in recent days, lending their support to the party's presumptive presidential nominee. Trump is facing accusations of arranging secret payments to a porn actress to suppress negative stories during his successful 2016 presidential campaign.

The presence of Gaetz and other Republican lawmakers at the trial, coupled with Gaetz's use of Proud Boys language, underscores the complex dynamics within Trump's political base. As the trial continues, the connection between Trump and these activist elements draws attention, while raising questions about the ideals and beliefs that bind some of his staunchest supporters.