President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement to nominate Rep. Matt Gaetz as Attorney General has sent shockwaves through Capitol Hill, eliciting a mix of disbelief, support, and concern among lawmakers. Gaetz, a controversial figure known for his loyalty to Trump, faces significant hurdles in the Senate confirmation process due to ongoing investigations and skepticism from both parties.

Key Takeaways

• Trump’s nomination of Matt Gaetz as Attorney General surprises many lawmakers.
• Gaetz’s immediate resignation from Congress raises eyebrows.
• Senate Republicans express mixed reactions, with some voicing serious concerns.
• Democrats are largely united in opposition to Gaetz’s nomination.

Reactions to Trump’s Attorney General Pick

Mixed Reactions From Lawmakers

The announcement of Gaetz’s nomination has led to a variety of responses from Republican senators. Some expressed shock, while others raised concerns about his qualifications and ongoing investigations.

• Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME): “I was shocked to hear Gaetz was tapped to lead the Department of Justice. There will be many questions raised at his hearing.”
• Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK): “This nomination was not on my bingo card. I’m concerned about the number of open investigations surrounding him.”
• Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA): “He’ll have his work cut out for him.”
• Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC): “I’m inclined to support Trump’s picks, but I’m surprised by Gaetz’s nomination.”

Gaetz’s Controversial Background

Matt Gaetz, 42, has a history of controversy, including investigations related to sex trafficking and drug allegations. His nomination raises questions about his suitability for the role of Attorney General, especially given that he would oversee a department that previously investigated him.

• Immediate Resignation: Gaetz resigned from Congress effective immediately, a move that is uncommon for nominees. This decision was made to expedite the process of holding a special election to replace him.
• Ongoing Investigations: Gaetz has faced scrutiny from the House Ethics Committee, which could complicate his confirmation process.

Senate Confirmation Challenges

With Republicans holding a slim majority in the Senate, Gaetz’s path to confirmation is fraught with challenges. He can afford to lose only a few votes from his party, and skepticism is evident among several GOP senators.

• Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX): “We have a constitutional responsibility to consider any nominee seriously, but Gaetz’s background will be a topic of discussion.”
• Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND): “His chances of confirmation are a long shot.”

Democratic Opposition

Democrats have reacted strongly against Gaetz’s nomination, with many expressing disbelief and concern over his qualifications.

• Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE): “You can record me as speechless.”
• Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): “Gaetz lacks basic qualifications for the job and will face significant problems in the Senate.”
• Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA): Labeled the nomination as “God-tier level trolling” aimed at Democrats.

Conclusion

As the Senate prepares for confirmation hearings, the nomination of Matt Gaetz as Attorney General is shaping up to be a contentious issue. With significant opposition from both sides of the aisle and ongoing investigations into his conduct, Gaetz’s confirmation remains uncertain. The coming weeks will reveal whether Trump’s controversial pick can navigate the political landscape and secure the necessary votes for confirmation.

Sources

• Matt Gaetz’s attorney general nomination stuns on Capitol Hill : NPR, NPR.
• Video: Paula Reid says Trump picking Matt Gaetz for attorney general comes as a surprise | CNN Politics, CNN.
• Trump met Biden in the Oval Office today : NPR, NPR.
• Trump baffles Republican senators by picking Matt Gaetz for attorney general, NBC News.