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Trump Criticizes Jacksonville Beach Police in Gaetz Abduction Case

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/2 .. nville-beach-police-in-gaetz-abduction-case.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, February 21st 2026 at 6:15 GMT by Fox News
      Locales: Oklahoma, New York, UNITED STATES

Jacksonville Beach, FL - February 21, 2026 - Former President Donald Trump today addressed the disturbing footage released by the Jacksonville Beach Police Department showing the apparent abduction of Galen Gaetz, the nephew of Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz. The video, which has rapidly circulated online, depicts a man approaching Galen Gaetz and forcibly escorting him away, prompting a swift police investigation.

Speaking to reporters following a campaign rally in South Carolina, Trump described the incident as "terrible" and offered his condolences to the Gaetz family. However, he didn't stop at expressions of sympathy. Trump also delivered a pointed critique of the handling of the case by Jacksonville Beach police, subtly characterizing their response as inadequate.

"It's a very sad situation, a terrible thing to happen to a young man and a wonderful family," Trump stated. "But frankly, I've been watching the news, and it seems like the local authorities are... well, let's just say not acting with the speed and decisiveness this situation demands. You need to be strong on crime, very strong. This calls for immediate, forceful action, not a slow walk."

The former president's comments immediately sparked debate, with some observers interpreting them as a veiled criticism of law enforcement officials, while others saw them as a characteristic display of Trump's tendency to publicly second-guess authorities, even in ongoing investigations. The Jacksonville Beach Police Department has so far declined to comment directly on Trump's remarks, stating only that the investigation is ongoing and that they are pursuing all leads.

Galen Gaetz, 19, was reportedly last seen near a popular beachfront restaurant on the evening of February 19th. His family alerted authorities after he failed to return home and was unreachable by phone. The released footage, obtained from security cameras, shows a man - currently unidentified - approaching Galen and engaging him in what appears to be a brief conversation before physically leading him away. The Jacksonville Beach Police Department has confirmed that they are treating the incident as a potential abduction and have issued a call for public assistance in identifying the individual in the video.

This incident has drawn national attention, largely due to the prominence of Congressman Matt Gaetz, a staunch Trump ally and frequent commentator on national political issues. Gaetz has been actively appealing for help via social media, offering a reward for information leading to the safe return of his nephew. He has also expressed his gratitude for the support received from various political figures, including former President Trump.

Trump reiterated his support for Congressman Gaetz during his remarks, stating, "Matt is a good man, a strong conservative, and he's fighting hard for our country. He doesn't deserve this. I stand with Matt and the entire Gaetz family." This renewed endorsement comes at a time when Gaetz is facing ongoing scrutiny regarding previous campaign finance investigations, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Legal analysts suggest that Trump's public comments, while politically motivated, could potentially complicate the police investigation. "It's generally inadvisable for high-profile figures to comment publicly on active investigations," explained legal scholar Dr. Eleanor Vance. "It can create pressure on law enforcement, potentially influence witnesses, and even jeopardize the integrity of the case."

The circumstances surrounding Galen Gaetz's disappearance remain unclear. The Jacksonville Beach Police Department is collaborating with the FBI and other federal agencies in their investigation. Authorities have not yet ruled out any potential motives, including kidnapping for ransom, personal disputes, or involvement in criminal activity. As of this reporting, there have been no demands for ransom made.

The case is unfolding amidst a heightened national focus on crime and public safety, and Trump's response is likely to resonate strongly with his base. The combination of a prominent family involved, the disturbing nature of the abduction, and the political backdrop creates a volatile situation that continues to develop. The public awaits further updates from law enforcement as they work to locate Galen Gaetz and bring those responsible to justice.