From Congressman to Commentator: What Is Trey Gowdy Doing Now?

Remember Trey Gowdy? The former South Carolina congressman was a fixture on cable news during his time in Washington, D.C., known for his fiery questioning, distinctive hairstyles, and background as a federal prosecutor. From 2011 to 2019, he was one of the most visible and outspoken members of the Republican party.

Then, in 2019, he stepped away from Capitol Hill, leaving many to wonder what would come next. Unlike many former politicians who fade into quiet lobbying roles or retirement, Gowdy has crafted a surprisingly public and multi-faceted second act. So, what is Trey Gowdy doing now?

The short answer is: a lot. He’s a television host, a podcaster, a best-selling author, and a practicing lawyer. Let's break down his life after politics.

A Deliberate Exit: Why Trey Gowdy Left Congress

To understand what Trey Gowdy is doing now, it helps to remember why he left politics in the first place. Gowdy was often described as a "reluctant politician." He frequently expressed his frustration with the partisan gridlock and the slow pace of Washington. His true passion, he often said, was the justice system—a world with clear rules, evidence, and verdicts.

In a 2018 statement announcing his retirement, he was candid: "Whatever skills I may have are better utilized in a courtroom than in a legislative body." He felt the justice system was a better fit for his prosecutorial mindset, where he could pursue truth and definitive outcomes. This sentiment perfectly foreshadowed the career path he would forge after leaving the House of Representatives.

The Pivot to Media: Fox News

It didn't take long for Gowdy to find a new platform. Shortly after his congressional term ended in January 2019, he joined Fox News as a contributor. Given his frequent appearances as a guest during his time in office, the move felt like a natural transition.

Initially, he provided legal and political analysis across the network's various programs. His ability to break down complex legal issues with the precision of a prosecutor made him a valuable asset, especially during major news events like impeachment proceedings and Supreme Court decisions. He was able to leverage his D.C. experience while operating outside the system he had grown to dislike. This role set the stage for a much larger presence on the network.

Hosting 'Sunday Night in America'

Gowdy's success as a contributor led to a bigger opportunity. In 2021, he was given his own show, Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy. This cemented his position as a prominent media personality. The show airs weekly and combines elements of news, interview, and commentary, all filtered through Gowdy's unique lens.

The format allows him to do what he does best: ask probing questions. His interviews often feel like cross-examinations, as he methodically walks his guests—who range from politicians and journalists to cultural figures—through their positions and arguments.

"My job is to ask the question and be quiet and listen to the answer," Gowdy has said about his hosting style. This approach, focused on dialogue and discovery, differentiates his show from more purely opinion-based programming.

On his show, he tackles the week's biggest headlines, offering legal perspectives on political scandals, policy debates, and social issues. It has become a cornerstone of Fox News's weekend lineup and is arguably the most visible part of his post-political career.

The Trey Gowdy Podcast

In addition to his television work, Gowdy reaches audiences through another popular medium: podcasting. The Trey Gowdy Podcast offers a different flavor than his TV show. The format allows for longer, more in-depth conversations and a more personal tone.

On his podcast, Gowdy often explores topics beyond the daily news cycle. He might dedicate an episode to the art of persuasion, the principles of justice, or life lessons learned from his career. He also features a wide array of guests, engaging in thoughtful discussions that feel less constrained by the time limits of live television. This platform allows him to connect with his audience on a more intimate level, sharing stories and insights that don't always fit into a Sunday night news hour.

From Lawmaker to Author

Beyond the screen and the microphone, Gowdy has also become a successful author. He has co-authored several books with fellow South Carolina Republican, Senator Tim Scott, but his solo works have gained significant attention.

His notable books include:

• Doesn't Hurt to Ask: Using the Power of Questions to Communicate, Connect, and Persuade (2020): Drawing from his experience as a prosecutor and congressman, Gowdy shares his framework for effective communication. The book is less about politics and more about the universal skill of asking the right questions to achieve a goal.
• Start, Stay, or Leave: The Art of Making Good Decisions (2022): In this book, Gowdy tackles the difficult process of decision-making. He uses anecdotes from his own life—including his decision to leave Congress—to provide a practical guide for navigating life's critical crossroads.

These books show a different side of Gowdy, positioning him not just as a political commentator but as a mentor on communication and life strategy.

Back in the Courtroom (Sort Of): His Return to Law

True to his word about returning to the justice system, Trey Gowdy also rejoined the legal profession. In 2019, he returned to his old law firm, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, where he had worked before entering politics. He joined the firm's White-Collar Defense & Government Investigations team.

While his media commitments are demanding, his role at the firm allows him to stay connected to the legal world he loves. He provides strategic advice to clients facing complex legal challenges, government inquiries, and high-stakes litigation. This move was a full-circle moment, fulfilling the promise he made when he announced his departure from Washington. It demonstrates that his passion for the law was not just a talking point but a genuine career calling.

What's Next for Trey Gowdy?

So, what is Trey Gowdy doing now? He's masterfully juggling four distinct careers: TV host, podcaster, author, and practicing attorney. He has successfully transitioned from a lawmaker defined by his role in government investigations to a media figure and legal expert who analyzes them from the outside.

He has built a platform that allows him to remain a significant voice in American public life, but on his own terms—outside the political fray he was so eager to leave. Whether you see him on TV, listen to his podcast, or read his books, one thing is clear: Trey Gowdy is busier and arguably more influential now than ever before.