Members of Congress react after Trump picks Matt Gaetz as attorney general

On By Littum

Upper line

President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., to be attorney general on Wednesday, drawing mixed reactions from senators and representatives over his latest choices in a series of Cabinet and staff appointments this week.

Key facts

Trump called Gaetz a “champion of the Constitution and the rule of law,” and said in a Truth Social post that the congressman would “end Weaponized Government” as attorney general, a position that requires Senate confirmation.

Late. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who is one of the Senate’s most senior members and is seen as a moderate, said she does not believe Trump’s pick is “a serious nomination for attorney general,” according to Washington Post.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, was “shocked” by the nomination and said NBC News she is certain there will be numerous questions at Gaetz’s confirmation hearing, which includes inquiries into the House Ethics Committee’s investigation into the congressman over alleged sexual misconduct and illegal drug use.

Rep. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, kept his response to Gaetz’s nomination brief, according to HuffPostand asks: “Are you fucking with me?”

Rep. Ritchie Torres, DN.Y., said “government action is serious business” and called Gaetz not serious while rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., called Gaetz “dangerously underqualified,” and said he will use the role to “hide from his own legal problems, dishonor the rule of law and do Trump’s bidding.”

After Gaetz’s nomination, Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., satirically: “What’s next, George Santos as FBI director?” referring to disgraced former Rep. George Santos, RN.Y., who pleaded guilty to fraud and identity theft this summer.

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Contra

Some Republicans praised and defended Trump’s nomination of Gaetz. When asked if he believes​​​​Gaetz will be confirmed by the Senate, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., suggested to reporters that Gaetz “don’t have to” because there will be one break agreement– an appointment made directly by the President while the Senate is in recess, although recess appointees cannot serve longer than two years. Gaetz also received support from Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., the former of whom threatened GOP senators who might vote against Gaetz and told Fox Business “We will try to get you out of the Senate if you try to do that.”

Key background

Gaetz, a staunch Trump supporter and right-wing zealot, was one of the most controversial figures in Congress. The Ministry of Justice investigated the 42-year-old ex-representative for allegations of sexual misconduct with teenage girls, which he denied. The DOJ declined to prosecute Gaetz, who became the subject of a sexual misconduct investigation by the House Ethics Committee, which is also investigating allegations that Gaetz engaged in illegal drug use, accepted inappropriate gifts and gave special privileges to friends. The former congressman has denied all the charges against him. Gaetz is one of several Cabinet picks Trump has made in the past week, joining figures such as former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who was selected as director of national intelligence, and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who was nominated as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Key

Gaetz spearheaded the ultimately successful effort last year to remove former Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., as speaker of the House by filing the motion to vacate. It was the first time in history that a Speaker of Parliament had been removed from the role while in office. The move came months after Gaetz was part of a handful of Republicans who stonewalled the selection of McCarthy as speaker of the House, dragging out a process that is normally a 15-ballot formality — making it the most drawn-out House presidential election in more than 160 years

Further reading

Trump’s cabinet: Here are his picks for key roles – Matt Gaetz, Tulsi Gabbard, Marco Rubio and more (Forbes)

Matt Gaetz Under New Ethics Committee Investigation for Obstruction and Friend-Benefits (Forbes)