Trey Gowdy, born on August 22, 1964, is a prominent American lawyer and former politician who made significant contributions to the legal and political landscape of South Carolina. He served as the U.S. representative for South Carolina's 4th congressional district from 2011 to 2019, representing a region that includes the vibrant cities of Greenville and Spartanburg.
Before entering Congress, Gowdy built a formidable career as a federal prosecutor in the District of South Carolina from 1994 to 2000. He then took on the role of solicitor for South Carolina's Seventh Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Spartanburg and Cherokee counties, from 2000 to 2010. His legal acumen was showcased in four episodes of Forensic Files, where he successfully prosecuted notable cases.
During his congressional tenure, Gowdy gained national attention as the chair of the United States House Select Committee on Benghazi from 2014 to 2016. His committee was instrumental in uncovering the existence of Hillary Clinton's private email server, leading to an extensive investigation that lasted over two-and-a-half years and cost seven point eight million dollars. He was a vocal advocate for accountability during the 2016 presidential campaign.
In June 2017, he transitioned to chairing the House Oversight Committee, further solidifying his influence in Washington. However, on January 31, 2018, Gowdy announced his decision not to seek re-election, opting to return to his legal roots. He rejoined the law firm Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough and became a contributor for Fox News.
In 2021, Gowdy took on the role of interim host for Fox News Primetime and later became the host of Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy. His media presence continued to grow, and in May 2023, he guest-hosted Fox News Tonight following the departure of Tucker Carlson.