Mike Pence's former chief of staff hits back at Matt Gaetz, saying he'll likely be 'in prison for child sex trafficking' — in what looks like a growing schism in Trumpworld

The top aide to the former vice president took a swing at Gaetz.

According to Short, Gaetz would be going to prison soon due to a federal investigation into child sex traffickers.

The back-and-forth between those in the former vice president's camp and those in the Trump camp points to a growing divide in the Republican party.

Gaetz spoke on Sunday at the right-wing group Turning Point USA's student conference and stated that "our America is proudly ultra-MAGA." Gaetz spoke on Sunday at the right-wing group Turning Point USA's student conference and stated that "Our America is proudly ultra

Gaetz said what everyone here knew. Mike Pence won't be president.

Short insulted himself in an interview with CNN.

"I don't know if Mike Pence will run for president in 2024, but I don't think Matt Gaetz will have an effect on that," Short said. I'm surprised that Florida law enforcement still allows him to speak to teenage conferences even though he's going to be in prison for child sex traffickers.

—S.V. Dáte (@svdate) July 25, 2022

The best applause line of Gaetz's speech was dunking on the vice president.

Conservative figures have been supportive of Gaetz. The Washington Examiner article on the Gaetz scandal was signed by former President Donald Trump. You will win if you keep fighting.

It's possible that Short's position as a former Pence staffer speaks to the growing rift between the two men. This would put the former vice president on a direct collision course with his ex- boss, Trump, who has long teased

According to CNN, Short testified before a grand jury about the Capitol attack. The New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that Greg Jacob gave testimony.

The sex-trafficking investigation into Gaetz began in the early months of 2021. The FBI and Department of Justice are looking into whether Gaetz broke the law by having a sexual relationship with a minor. The congressman hasn't been charged with a crime.

The sentencing for Greenberg, the ex-Seminole County tax collector, has been delayed several times while he cooperates with investigators.

There are rumors that Gaetz might be implicated in the Greenberg probe after the Daily Beast reported that he sent multiple cash payments via Venmo to Greenberg. Young women with labels like "ass," "stuff," and "tuition" received cash payments from Greenberg.

The DOJ didn't reply immediately.