Trump Nominates Matt Gaetz as Attorney General
President-elect Donald Trump announced Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) as his pick for Attorney General on Wednesday, sparking mixed reactions. Trump revealed the nomination on Truth Social, praising Gaetz’s legal skills and commitment to reforming the Department of Justice. Gaetz responded enthusiastically on social media, expressing his gratitude and readiness for the role.
At age 42, Gaetz, a loyal Trump ally, was not widely considered for the position. His nomination surprised many, as other candidates included former acting AG Matt Whitaker, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Texas AG Ken Paxton. Known for influencing personnel decisions in Trump’s administration, Gaetz has been a vocal supporter of Trump, including during his New York trial.
GOP Reactions Reflect Division
The announcement drew mixed reactions from Republicans. Some House GOP members reportedly laughed in disbelief during a Capitol Hill meeting. Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) summarized the sentiment with a colorful reaction, while moderate Senate Republicans voiced concerns.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) emphasized the importance of rigorous Senate oversight, predicting “many, many questions” at Gaetz’s confirmation hearing. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) questioned Gaetz’s suitability, calling for a “serious attorney general.” However, supporters like Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) expressed trust in Trump’s decision. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) suggested Gaetz could bypass confirmation through a Senate recess appointment.
Controversy and Political Implications
Gaetz, facing a House Ethics investigation and known for hardline stances, has sparked debate about his confirmation prospects. Some aides predicted he would struggle to secure Senate approval, viewing the nomination as a strategic move to bolster his political future in Florida.
Despite controversies, even some Democrats, like Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), defended Gaetz’s competence and loyalty. Gaetz vowed to address partisan bias in the justice system, focusing on government “weaponization” and restoring public trust. A trained lawyer from William & Mary College of Law, Gaetz has consistently criticized DOJ investigations into Trump, aligning with his vision for the role.