In his recent announcement of Rep. Matt Gaetz as his nominee for attorney general, President-elect Donald Trump is aiming to appoint a loyal supporter known for his controversial stance, even among party members.
Unlike the more conventional route of a formal announcement from his transition team, Trump’s selection of Gaetz was publicized through his social media platform. The choice came as a surprise to many, as Gaetz was not among the frontrunners being speculated for the position.
Here are several key points regarding Gaetz.
Firstly, Gaetz has faced legal troubles personally. Currently, the House Ethics Committee is investigating him for accusations linked to the sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl. In June, the committee provided an unusual public update stating that its review also encompasses allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, improper gifts, and attempts to obstruct governmental inquiries into his behavior. However, the committee later announced that it was no longer investigating four additional claims against Gaetz, including allegations of sharing inappropriate material with colleagues and accepting bribes or misusing campaign funds. Gaetz has vehemently denied all accusations, blaming his predicament on former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, despite the investigation commencing before McCarthy and the Republicans gained control of the House. In 2023, the Justice Department concluded a sex trafficking investigation against Gaetz without filing any charges.
Gaetz is known for his steadfast loyalty to Trump, often vocalizing support on various media platforms. Elected for a fifth consecutive term representing much of Florida’s Panhandle, he has been a regular defender of Trump’s policies. Earlier this year, he traveled to New York during Trump’s legal proceedings related to a hush-money scandal and was active in promoting Trump during recent debates. Not only was Gaetz involved in Trump’s debate preparations but also aligned with the former president’s rhetoric regarding perceived injustices from the justice system. Just prior to his nomination announcement, Gaetz made a post suggesting aggressive action against the “weaponized government,” which he perceives as a threat to citizens. His comments indicate that he would be prepared to initiate significant changes if confirmed as attorney general, including overseeing the FBI and ATF.
Despite his commitment to Trump, Gaetz has occasionally created friction within the Republican Party. During the election for House Speaker last year, he joined a group of conservative hard-liners opposing McCarthy, leading to a prolonged voting process. Additionally, Gaetz played a significant role in the vote that resulted in McCarthy’s removal, a move McCarthy alleges was made to thwart the ethics investigation against Gaetz.
On the legal side, Gaetz holds a degree from the William & Mary Law School, graduating in 2007 and subsequently working at a law firm in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. His law license faced a brief suspension in 2021 due to unpaid fees, though he was restored to good standing as of recently.
Regarding his confirmation as attorney general, Gaetz may encounter challenges. Republican senators have largely avoided expressing clear support for his nomination. With the GOP holding a 53-seat majority in the Senate, they could rely on Vice President-elect JD Vance to cast a tie-breaking vote if necessary. Texas Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, stated he was not well-acquainted with Gaetz outside of his public image, suggesting that the Senate should scrutinize the ongoing ethics probe. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina praised Gaetz’s intelligence but indicated the need for thorough questioning during the confirmation hearing. Meanwhile, more critical voices within the party, such as Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, expressed skepticism about Gaetz’s candidacy. Additionally, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina anticipated that Gaetz would face significant hurdles in accumulating the votes required for confirmation, joking that the hearing might provide some entertainment for onlookers.