President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intent to nominate Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., as the next attorney general of the United States. Gaetz, known for his vocal support of Trump and sharp criticisms of the Justice Department and FBI, would take on the nation’s top law enforcement role—a striking choice given his history with the department, which previously investigated him in a criminal case centered on sex trafficking allegations. Though the FBI closed the case last year without filing charges, Gaetz called for the bureau’s abolition, stating, “We either get this government back on our side or we defund, get rid of, abolish the FBI” during his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
Matt Gaetz Announced on Truth Social
Trump’s announcement on Truth Social comes at a crucial time for the Justice Department and FBI, both of which Trump has frequently condemned since facing federal charges by Special Counsel Jack Smith for alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. In his statement, Trump described Gaetz as the right person to “end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans’ badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department.”
Gaetz, who has consistently defended Trump and criticized federal agencies, would require Senate confirmation to assume the role. Meanwhile, a bipartisan House Ethics Committee continues to investigate whether Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, an inquiry he recently declared he would no longer cooperate with. Responding to their questions, he dismissed the investigation as Congress being “just nosy,” adding, “it’s none of their business.”
Senate May Resist Confirmation
Trump’s selection of Gaetz has reportedly caused unease among Justice Department prosecutors and FBI agents, who were closely watching for the nomination. A senior Justice Department official expressed disbelief, calling the nomination “laughable,” while a former FBI official noted shock given Gaetz’s history of spreading conspiracy theories about the bureau.
Insiders speculate that Senate confirmation might face resistance, with some anonymous sources within the Justice Department hoping that a few senators will ultimately oppose Gaetz’s nomination. However, a source close to Trump expressed optimism, suggesting that pressure from voters could sway senators in Gaetz’s favor, emphasizing, “The American people made clear that they want President Trump to remake Washington, and Rep. Gaetz is the perfect man to restore the DOJ to greatness.”
Trump allies have also been vocal about their desire for criminal investigations into Special Counsel Smith and New York Attorney General Letitia James, who have pursued cases against Trump. Should Gaetz be confirmed, his new position could grant him considerable influence over the ongoing Jan. 6 riot cases.
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