The Fallout from Trump’s Bold Pick for Attorney General
President-elect Trump has thrown a curveball with his announcement that U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) will be his choice for Attorney General. This surprise nomination, revealed in a Truth Social post on Wednesday, has sparked immediate doubt and pushback from Republican senators. Many are hesitant to back one of Trump’s most controversial allies.
One anonymous Republican senator didn’t hold back, telling Fox News bluntly, “He will never get confirmed.” Another Senate source was even more direct: “Ain’t gonna happen.” It’s clear that Trump’s decision to nominate Gaetz could lead to a tough confirmation battle within the GOP itself.
Gaetz Under Scrutiny Amid Ethics Investigation
This nomination comes at a tricky time for Gaetz. He is currently facing an investigation by the House Ethics Committee after he led efforts to remove former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). The ethics probe has brought up serious allegations against him—claims of sexual misconduct, drug use, and accepting improper gifts—but none have been proven publicly yet. Still, this cloud of scandal could hang over his confirmation process like a dark storm cloud.
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) wasted no time pointing out the potential issues surrounding Gaetz’s nomination due to the ongoing ethics investigation. She stated, “He’s under investigation by the House Committee on Ethics.” Collins acknowledged that while Trump can nominate anyone he wants, background checks by the FBI and public hearings in the Senate are crucial steps in this process.
Diverse Reactions from GOP Senators
Some GOP senators were tight-lipped about their stance on Gaetz’s nomination; others took a more diplomatic approach. Senator James Lankford (R-OK) mentioned that “he will go through the nomination process just like everyone else.” Meanwhile, Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) sidestepped questions entirely with her response: “I got nothing for you on that.”
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), who recently lost his bid for Senate leadership, pointed out that the ethics investigation might be an obstacle but didn’t completely rule out supporting Gaetz.
A surprising twist came from Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), who has criticized Gaetz before but hinted he might support him if things go smoothly during confirmation. Mullin said he trusts President Trump’s judgment on this matter while also stressing that Gaetz needs to “sell himself” effectively to Congress.
The Possibility of Recess Appointments
Newly-elected Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) discussed possible recess appointments if there is gridlock over Gaetz’s nomination in the Senate. Thune emphasized urgency: “We must act quickly and decisively to get the president’s cabinet and other nominees in place as soon as possible,” adding that all options—including recess appointments—are being considered.
If resistance against confirming Gaetz becomes too strong, recess appointments could become an essential strategy for Trump’s team. Thune’s willingness to explore this option shows that GOP leadership may be ready to take bold steps to secure Trump’s preferred cabinet members without delay.
A Showdown Ahead?
The stage is set for what promises to be an intense showdown in the Senate over Matt Gaetz’s nomination as Attorney General. With divisions within the Republican Party and looming ethical concerns hanging overhead, this confirmation process may serve as one of Trump’s first significant tests during his second term—and it will certainly test his influence over GOP dynamics moving forward.
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