Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) is President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Attorney General.
For real. Read that again.
He also resigned from Congress, and is rumored to have faced the imminent release of a damning Ethics Committee report on alleged misconduct involving a minor—a charge he denies. Gaetz’s resignation effectively halts the Ethics probe, yet his selection disrupts Republican unity following recent Hill leadership elections.
According to reporting Gaetz was not previously on Trump’s shortlist, but his aggressive approach won Trump’s favor over other candidates who emphasized legal theories. The decision, pushed by Trump advisor Boris Epshteyn, emerged on Trump’s plane en route to Washington, with key players such as incoming White House chief Susie Wiles unaware until afterward.
Key questions have emerged: Was Trump aware of the Ethics report? Would Gaetz use his resignation to sidestep the investigation? Could Gaetz realistically secure Senate confirmation? Many Republicans are skeptical, some viewing his resignation as a maneuver to avoid the probe. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans, including longtime adversary Kevin McCarthy, doubt Gaetz’s prospects, as he’ll need nearly unanimous GOP support to succeed.
Here are some immediate reactions gathered from Politico:
Sen. SUSAN COLLINS (R-Maine) told reporters she was shocked. “Obviously, the president has the right to nominate whomever he wishes,” she said. “But this is why the Senate’s advise and consent process is so important. I’m sure that there will be many, many questions raised at Mr. Gaetz’s hearing, if in fact the nomination goes forward.”
Sen. LISA MURKOWSKI (R-Alaska): “I don’t think it’s a serious nomination for the attorney general. … I’m looking forward to the opportunity to consider somebody that is serious. This one was not on my bingo card.”
Sen. THOM TILLIS (R-N.C.): “I have very few skills, vote counting is one, and I think he’s got a lot of work to get 50.”
Sen. TODD YOUNG (R-Ind.), asked for comment, immediately started praising Secretary of State nominee MARCO RUBIO (R-Fla.) instead.
Sen. BILL CASSIDY (R-La.) dodged our very own Ursula Perano with an excuse we haven’t heard before: “I’m trying to go fix a toilet between getting back for a vote. Life’s a little hectic right now.”
Chapters
02:35 Matt Gaetz's Nomination and Resignation
09:59 Ethics and Allegations Surrounding Gaetz
16:08 Republican Majority Dynamics in the House
22:16 Leadership Changes and Recess Appointments
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