President-elect Donald Trump announced Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) as his choice for Attorney General on Wednesday, surprising some lawmakers and causing mixed reactions among Republicans. Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, writing, “It is my Great Honor to announce that Congressman Matt Gaetz, of Florida, is hereby nominated to be The Attorney General of the United States.” Gaetz responded enthusiastically on social media.
At age 42, Gaetz, a strong Trump supporter who had been vocal at Trump’s New York trial, was not widely considered for the role. Other names mentioned for Attorney General included John Ratcliffe, recently selected as CIA director, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), former acting AG Matt Whitaker, and Texas AG Ken Paxton. Gaetz, known for his allegiance to Trump, has actively tried to influence personnel decisions within the incoming administration.
Upon hearing the news, some House GOP members in a Capitol Hill meeting reportedly reacted with shock and laughter. Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) reportedly summarized the sentiment with a candid expletive-laden reaction. Moderate Senate Republicans also voiced concern. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) emphasized the importance of Senate oversight for the nomination process, expressing that there would likely be “many, many questions” at Gaetz’s confirmation hearing. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said, “We need a serious attorney general,” implying doubts about Gaetz’s suitability for the role.
However, some Republicans, including Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), expressed trust in Trump’s decision, while others, like Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), suggested Gaetz could be appointed during a Senate recess to bypass the confirmation process. Gaetz, known for opposing former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and frequently taking hardline stances, has also faced controversy, including an ongoing House Ethics investigation.
Some aides, speaking anonymously, predicted Gaetz would not secure Senate confirmation, calling the nomination a possible strategic move for Gaetz’s political future in Florida. Nevertheless, even some Democrats, like Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), defended Gaetz, describing him as loyal and competent. Trump praised Gaetz’s legal skills and commitment to reforming the Department of Justice, stating that Gaetz would tackle issues like government “weaponization” and restore confidence in the Justice Department.
Gaetz, a former lawyer trained at William & Mary College of Law, has been an outspoken critic of DOJ investigations into Trump and has promised to address what he calls partisan bias within the justice system if confirmed.
