In a bold and controversial move following the Republican Party’s consolidation of power in Washington, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated far-right Congressman Matt Gaetz as attorney general. This decision comes as the GOP celebrates winning a majority in both the House and Senate, securing a unified government for the first time since the start of Trump’s first term in 2017.
Gaetz, a Florida Republican known for his combative style and hardline politics, faces a rocky path to confirmation. The attorney general role, which oversees the Department of Justice (DoJ), is pivotal in shaping U.S. policy on issues like civil rights, abortion, and constitutional law. However, Gaetz’s polarizing reputation has drawn skepticism even from within his own party.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski voiced her disapproval, telling NBC News: “We need to have a serious attorney general. This one was not on my bingo card.”
The nomination has reignited scrutiny over Gaetz’s controversial past. Previously investigated by the DoJ in a sex-trafficking case—though no charges were filed—and subjected to a House ethics committee probe over allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Republican Congressman Max Miller offered a scathing assessment of Gaetz’s chances, said, “Gaetz has a better shot at having dinner with Queen Elizabeth II than being confirmed by the Senate.” He added, “This is a reckless pick with a zero percent shot.”
Former National Security Adviser John Bolton also described Gaetz as “the worst nomination for a cabinet position in American history,” citing him as “a person of moral turpitude.”
The Gaetz nomination follows the Republican Party’s clean sweep of power in Washington. Media projections indicate the GOP will hold 53 seats in the Senate and at least 220 seats in the House, giving Trump a firm foundation to pursue his ambitious agenda. This includes controversial promises such as mass deportations, rolling back environmental policies, and pardoning certain individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Despite this strong position, the narrow margins in both chambers could complicate legislation and confirmations. Gaetz’s nomination highlights these challenges, with moderate Republicans already expressing hesitation.
As per The Guardian report, anonymous GOP lawmakers have privately criticized Trump’s pick, with one telling Axios, “We wanted him out of the House … this isn’t what we were thinking.”
Democrats, too, have lambasted the nomination. Vice President Kamala Harris’s team warned that Trump and Gaetz would “weaponize the DoJ to protect themselves and their allies.” Congressman Ro Khanna argued that voters did not endorse such extreme cabinet picks when they elected Trump, saying, “He is not moving to the center. He’s going to his Maga base, and we’ll see if he’s overreaching on the mandate he had from the American people.”
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