‘Shocked At The Nomination’: Gaetz As Attorney General Pick Stuns Members Of Congress

Topline

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

Key Facts

Trump called Gaetz a “champion for the Constitution and the Rule of Law,” saying in a Truth Social post the congressman would “end Weaponized Government” as attorney general, a position requiring Senate confirmation.

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

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, was “shocked” at the nomination, telling NBC News she is certain there will be several questions at Gaetz’s confirmation hearing that include inquiries into the House Ethics Committee's investigation into the congressman over alleged sexual misconduct and illicit drug use.

Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, kept his response to Gaetz’s nomination brief, according to HuffPost, asking, “Are you sh****** me?”

Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., said the “act of governance is serious business” and called Gaetz not serious while Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., called Gaetz “dangerously underqualified,” saying he will use the role to “hide from his own legal troubles, disgrace the rule of law, and do Trump's bidding.”

Following Gaetz’s nomination, Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., satirically asked, “What's next, George Santos as FBI Director?” referring to disgraced former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft this summer.

Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.

Contra

Some Republicans lauded and defended Trump’s nomination of Gaetz. When asked if he thinks Gaetz will be confirmed by the Senate, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., suggested to reporters Gaetz “doesn’t need to” because there will be a recess appointment—an appointment made directly by the president while the Senate is in recess, though recess appointees cannot hold office 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 may vote against Gaetz and told Fox Business “we're gonna try to get you out of the Senate if you try to do that."

Key Background

Gaetz, a staunch Trump supporter and right-wing firebrand, was one of the most controversial figures in Congress. The Justice Department investigated the 42-year-old ex-representative over allegations of sexual misconduct with teenage girls that he denied. The DOJ declined to prosecute Gaetz, who became the subject of a sexual misconduct probe from the House Ethics Committee, which is also looking into allegations Gaetz engaged in illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts and gave special privileges to friends. The former congressman has denied all the allegations against him. Gaetz is one of several Cabinet picks made by Trump within the last week, joining figures such as former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who was picked as director of national intelligence, and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who was nominated as secretary of state.

Tangent

Gaetz spearheaded the ultimately successful effort last year to remove former Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., as House speaker, by filing the motion to vacate. It marked the first time in history a House speaker had been ousted from the role while in office. The move came months after Gaetz was part of a handful of Republicans who stonewalled the election of McCarthy as House speaker, dragging out a process that’s usually a formality to 15 ballots—making it the most drawn out House speaker 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 Favors To Friends (Forbes)