Lawmakers expressed shock over Donald Trump selecting Republican congresswoman Matt Gaetz (R-FL.) to serve as Attorney General in his second administration.
“Matt is a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney, trained at the William & Mary College of Law, who has distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice,” Trump said in a statement posted to his Truth Social media account.
He added: “Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System. Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans’ badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department.”
Gaetz has been a staunch supporter of Trump, and has regularly attacked the Justice Department and FBI. Both agencies investigated the lawmaker for sex trafficking though the probe ended with no charges brought against him.
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill from both parties expressed shock over Trump’s decision to select Gaetz.
Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) called the choice “a reckless pick,” adding, “I think he has a zero percent shot of getting through the Senate,” according to Politico.
Rep. Michael Guest, chair of the House Ethics Committee, which is investigating Gaetz, said he was “surprised” by the choice.
In the Senate, Democrats are already saying they will not support Gaetz’s nomination.
“There’s a lot of folks that would be excellent attorney generals, uphold the rule of law,” Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Judiciary Committee said. “I don’t think Gaetz is on the short list of that group.”
Republicans meanwhile are tight lipped about whether Gaetz can make it through the confirmation process.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) rolled his eyes, according to Politico.
“We don’t get to choose. It’s the prerogative of the president,” Cornyn added. “I don’t know the man beyond his public persona.”
Other Republicans Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) declined to comment, Politico noted.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) told Punchbowl News that she will not vote to confirm Gaetz.
“I was shocked at the nomination,” Collins said. “This is why the Senate’s advise and consent process is so important. I’m sure that there will be many, many questions raised at Mr Gaetz’s hearing.”
North Carolina Sen. Tom Tillis admits Gaetz will face obstacles getting confirmed in the Senate.
It will lead to “Popcorn-eating confirmation hearing” content I’ll give him an honest look, Tillis added.
