Trump Nominates Matt Gaetz for U.S. Attorney General Amid Controversy and Ongoing Investigations

President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Republican Representative Matt Gaetz from Florida as the U.S. attorney general. Gaetz, known for his strong support of Trump, expressed his acceptance of the nomination with enthusiasm, stating on X, "It will be an honor to serve as President Trump's Attorney General!"

Trump picks Rep Matt Gaetz as attorney general

If confirmed by the Senate, Gaetz would succeed Attorney General Merrick Garland, who oversaw a sex-trafficking investigation into the congressman. However, the Department of Justice ultimately decided not to press charges against him. Gaetz is still subject to an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation regarding allegations of sexual misconduct or illicit drug use, which he has denied. Despite this, he has chosen not to participate voluntarily in the committee's probe since September.

Since assuming office, Gaetz has gained recognition as a staunch and vocal Trump loyalist. He has been a vocal opponent of the Department of Justice investigation and prosecution of Trump by special counsel Jack Smith. In October 2023, he played a pivotal role in ousting then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, leading a group of eight Republicans in conjunction with all House Democrats, causing turmoil within the GOP conference.

On the day of the announcement, Gaetz was accompanying Trump, billionaire Elon Musk, and others during the president-elect's initial trip to Washington, D.C., following his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, as reported by NBC News. Trump's choice of Gaetz took even his fellow Republicans on Capitol Hill by surprise.

Representative Johnson, whose projected majority has already been diminished due to Trump's appointments of two House Republicans, expressed doubt about further members departing the party. Additionally, Senator Susan Collins from Maine shared her astonishment at the nomination, underscoring the importance of the Senate's advise and consent process. She anticipated that Gaetz's hearing would lead to numerous inquiries and raised concerns.