Newt Gingrich Cashes in on 'Insight' Into Donald Trump

Newt Gingrich is exploiting his ties to Donald Trump to charge higher rates for his public speaking engagements, citing special "insight" into the president-elect.

Gingrich’s speaking agency, Worldwide Speakers Group, blasted an email Thursday afternoon with the subject line “Newt Gingrich Fee Increase,” according to a Politico report.

"Few people in the world have as much insight into President-elect Trump’s philosophies, principles and objectives as Newt Gingrich," the email read. "As the senior voice in the Republican Party and advisor to the new Administration, Gingrich has been at the forefront of the Republican strategy for the last two years."

Gingrich is reportedly now charging $25,000 plus ground transportation for speeches in the Washington, D.C., area. If travel is involved, the 2012 presidential candidate charges $60,000 plus first-class travel for two — presumably for his wife, Callista — for speeches east of Chicago. That rate jumps up to $75,000 for requests west.

The former House Speaker, who declined to comment, has had his rate increase by about $15,000, Politico reported.

Although Gingrich has been critical of Trump at times for his comments on women and Mexican-Americans, he is one of Trump's most fiercely loyal advocates.

Just two weeks before Election Day, as sexual assault claims began to pile up on the Republican presidential nominee, Gingrich told Fox News host Megyn Kelly that she was "fascinated with sex" for pressing Trump advocates on the matter — a move that earned Gingrich high praise from Trump who said, "Congratulations...We don't play games, Newt."

Gingrich was among those on the short list to be Trump's vice-presidential pick, but he was ultimately passed over for Indiana Governor Mike Pence.

Following Trump's Election Day win, many expected Trump to bring Gingrich into the administration. Perhaps fearing a Senate confirmation hearing that could not be won, Gingrich said last month that he would be engaged in "strategic planning" for the GOP.

“I will not be in the Cabinet,” said Gingrich, not making it clear whether the decision was his or Trump's. He added: “I intend to be focused on strategic planning.”

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr Commons