Matt Gaetz selection as Attorney General nominee draws quick blowback from lawmakers
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Donald Trump has chosen Florida GOP Representative Matt Gaetz to be the Attorney General, raising concerns and criticism among lawmakers and social media users from both political parties.
Trump's choice of Gaetz for nomination follows a sex trafficking investigation involving the lawmaker and his associates, which was conducted by current Attorney General Merrick Garland. Although Gaetz was never formally charged with any crime, he is still under scrutiny from a House ethics committee that is looking into various allegations, including claims that he engaged in sexual activities with a minor. Gaetz has consistently denied any inappropriate behavior.
In his announcement, Trump stated, "He stands as a champion for the Constitution and the rule of law. Matt will work to eliminate the deep-rooted corruption within the Department of Justice and restore its primary focus on combating crime while defending our democracy and the Constitution."
Billionaire Elon Musk, who is a strong supporter of Trump and co-chair of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency under the president-elect, seemed to express his excitement about the news on X, stating, “The hammer of justice is on its way.”
Senator Peter Welch, a Democrat from Vermont, expressed to The Independent that the announcement made on Wednesday afternoon seemed more fitting for a satire magazine. “It sounded like something you'd find in The Onion,” Welch remarked.
Other Democrats criticized the announcement more harshly, bringing up the controversies associated with the Florida lawmaker.
Florida Representative Maxwell Frost, a Democrat and the first member of Gen-Z in Congress, expressed his disbelief on X.
“Wow. Trump is going to nominate Matt Gaetz for Attorney General,” Frost stated. “This is the same person who was involved in a sex trafficking investigation. We need some serious help here.”
Montana State Representative Zooey Zephyr, a Democrat and advocate for LGBTQ rights, also criticized the decision.
"Having Matt Gaetz as Attorney General is outrageous, especially since he was being investigated for his involvement in a case related to trafficking underage individuals," she posted on X.
Nikki Fried, the Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, referred to Gaetz's nomination as a "nightmare in real life."
In a recent statement, Fried expressed her concerns about Donald Trump’s influence in Florida, saying, “He’s recruiting anyone in our state who supports him, regardless of their capabilities or extreme views. Choosing Marco Rubio for Secretary of State and Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor is troubling, but selecting Matt Gaetz as Attorney General could have disastrous consequences for the nation.”
Democrats aren't the only ones feeling the impact of the decision.
Joe Walsh, a former Republican representative from Illinois, remarked to The Independent that it shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone that Gaetz was nominated.
"Forget them," Walsh stated. "This is what the people of America chose."
"Are you serious right now?" Republican Representative Mike Simpson exclaimed to The Hill upon hearing the news.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis commented to reporters on Capitol Hill: "I have no doubt that it will be an entertaining confirmation process."
People on social media from different perspectives are also sharing their worries.
“Heath Mayo, a conservative activist and lawyer, stated that our country wouldn't be taken seriously if the Senate approves Matt Gaetz as head of the Justice Department.”
Author Ezra Klein shared his insights on the situation, pointing out that Trump's choices for cabinet positions seem to serve as a "test of loyalty."
Klein remarked that insisting Senate Republicans support Gaetz for Attorney General and Hegseth for Defense Secretary is akin to pressuring Sean Spicer to proclaim it was the biggest crowd ever for an inauguration in 2024. “These nominations go beyond mere appointments; they serve as tests of loyalty. The ridiculousness is intentional.”
Some people are turning to humor as a way to deal with the surprising news.
“I really can’t understand why anyone would choose to endorse Matt Gaetz for a position at Red Lobster, let alone as Attorney General of the United States,” Jonah Goldberg, editor of The Dispatch, shared on X.
"One user compared every Trump appointment to saying, 'Donald Trump has chosen the Grinch to lead the Department of Christmas.'"
Gaetz was instrumental in removing former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year, which allowed Mike Johnson to assume the role of speaker.
He previously mentioned that he removed McCarthy from his position due to worries that McCarthy broke the essential promises he made to become Speaker. In response, McCarthy has claimed that Gaetz's actions were driven by frustration over the House ethics investigation concerning him.
