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WASHINGTON — The selection of Matt Gaetz as the attorney general by Donald Trump has left many employees within the Justice Department in disbelief. Concerns are mounting not only about their jobs but also regarding the future direction of an agency that Gaetz, a known Trump loyalist, has critiqued in the past.
The appointment of the Florida Republican has sent shockwaves throughout the department, largely due to Gaetz’s limited experience in legal practices and his previous involvement in a federal investigation for sex trafficking. Instead of his name, many anticipated that well-respected attorneys with extensive backgrounds would be considered for this vital role. Gaetz’s nomination underscores Trump’s emphasis on personal loyalty and his intent to appoint someone who would shake things up within an agency that has previously examined and prosecuted him.
Justice Department personnel who spoke under conditions of anonymity expressed feelings of astonishment and in some cases, outrage, following the announcement. Upon learning the news, they reported a surge of communication from colleagues sharing their shock, illustrating the widespread disapproval of Gaetz’s selection.
Some in the department questioned if Gaetz, who has primarily served as a politician since his law degree graduation in 2007, ever practiced law. Furthermore, this has prompted several DOJ employees to consider job alternatives amidst worries over Gaetz’s hostile remarks regarding what he describes as the ‘deep state.’
Gaetz has openly characterized the Justice Department as “corrupt and highly political” while condemning the federal charges against Trump and the January 6 rioters. He has even suggested dismantling the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, agencies he would oversee if confirmed as attorney general. In comparison to his predecessors, Gaetz arrives with significantly less legal experience.
Trump has backed Gaetz as the ideal candidate to eradicate systemic corruption within the agency and restore public trust in the Justice Department. While Trump has not yet announced changes for the FBI, speculation remains high due to his longstanding critique of current FBI Director Christopher Wray.
John Fishwick Jr., a former U.S. attorney appointed by President Obama, contends that Gaetz was chosen to disrupt the status quo within the DOJ. “He’s a flamethrower and that’s what Trump wants,” Fishwick remarked, noting that legal professionals at the DOJ are evidently anxious about how Gaetz’s appointment will impact them personally.
However, not all attorneys in the Justice Department feel negatively about the change. One lawyer indicated that a new leadership approach might be beneficial, especially after a series of politically fueled investigations that have polarized opinions and challenged the integrity of federal law enforcement.
Recent investigations have included sensitive matters, such as inquiries into classified information about Hillary Clinton’s email server during her tenure as Secretary of State and potential connections between Russia and Trump’s 2016 campaign. These issues led to inspector general reviews and most recently to a special counsel investigation resulting in federal indictments against Trump.
Whether Gaetz will secure enough support from Senate Republicans for confirmation remains uncertain. Though some party members have applauded his nomination, others have voiced hesitation or have yet to publicly declare their support. Trump has suggested the possibility of pushing through his appointments while the Senate is in recess, potentially avoiding the standard confirmation process.
Gaetz continues to contend with scrutiny surrounding a concluded federal sex trafficking investigation that did not yield any criminal charges. Prior to resigning from the House, he faced inquiries from the House Ethics Committee concerning allegations of sexual misconduct, substance abuse, inappropriate gifts, and obstruction of investigations.
House Speaker Mike Johnson declared that he would strongly advocate against releasing the findings of the House committee’s investigation, countering calls from several senators who are seeking access to the information post-Gaetz’s nomination.
Gaetz has denied all accusations against him, recently asserting on social media that “lies were weaponized” to undermine his integrity.
Justice Department employees were already bracing for significant changes on various issues, particularly civil rights, before Trump selected Gaetz as the new attorney general. Trump has often publicly expressed a desire for loyalty from those in leadership roles, particularly within the FBI and Justice Department, and has criticized what he regards as a politically driven justice system, especially in relation to the legal challenges he faces.
Historically, with each new administration, Justice Department staff have transitioned into private sector roles, but employees are predicting a substantial wave of departures in the near future. “The department relies on career employees, individuals who maintain a neutral political stance. If these employees choose to leave in light of Gaetz’s appointment, who will fulfill the department’s essential functions?” questioned one attorney, who is contemplating exiting the agency.
Chris Mattei, a former federal prosecutor who oversaw influential cases during his tenure, has noted a “significant level of concern” regarding Gaetz’s past investigations, coupled with apprehension over the possibility of leading the department under someone “highly compromised” and possibly harboring a “personal vendetta” against it.
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