CNN’s Jake Tapper voiced astonishment over President-elect Donald Trump’s unexpected selection of Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz as Attorney General. Tapper opened his show, noting he “never contemplated” pairing Gaetz’s name with the title of the nation’s chief legal officer. He further commented that Trump’s choice offered insight into an administration less bound by convention.
The nomination sent shockwaves through Congress, even among Republicans. Known for his vocal support of Trump, Gaetz resigned from Congress following the announcement, ending a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of misconduct, which had loomed over him since 2021.
Trump praised Gaetz’s legal acumen and vowed that Gaetz would restore public confidence in the Department of Justice. He lauded Gaetz as a tenacious attorney dedicated to tackling government overreach and “protecting our borders.” Yet the choice polarized the GOP, as some moderate Senate Republicans expressed doubts, casting uncertainty on Gaetz’s potential confirmation.
House Republicans meeting on Capitol Hill reportedly reacted with laughter and disbelief. Some insiders suggested that Trump’s decision was a pointed move, while others saw it as a significant gamble. Should Gaetz be confirmed, he would succeed Merrick Garland, whom Trump has criticized over investigations into his allies. Gaetz himself has pledged to confront what he perceives as partisan bias in the DOJ if given the role.
