President-elect Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he has selected Florida Representative Matt Gaetz as his nominee for Attorney General, a move that has quickly drawn sharp reactions from both parties and set the stage for a contentious Senate confirmation process. Gaetz, a staunch Trump ally known for his aggressive defense of the former president, will resign his House seat immediately to prepare for his new role, according to House Speaker Mike Johnson.
"Out of deference to us, he issued his resignation letter effective immediately," Johnson said, noting the logistical impact on a Republican majority that faces potential challenges in the next Congress. Johnson indicated that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been informed and plans to fill the vacancy quickly, possibly by early January.
Gaetz's nomination, however, has sent shockwaves through Capitol Hill, with Senate Republicans expressing doubt about whether he can secure enough votes for confirmation. "It'll just be interesting to see what his organic base is," remarked Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). "At the end of the day, Congressman Gaetz, he'll have a hearing, but... I would think that he's probably got some work cut out for him."
Democrats were more vociferous in their opposition. Senator-elect Andy Kim (D-N.J.) stated flatly, "I don't need a confirmation hearing to know that Matt Gaetz is not qualified for Attorney General." Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) expressed incredulity on social media, highlighting Gaetz's controversial past, including a Justice Department investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor-a probe that ended in 2023 with no charges but which remains a point of contention in his political career.
With Gaetz's resignation from Congress, an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into his conduct will be halted, as confirmed by committee chair Michael Guest (R-Miss.). "Once a member is no longer a member of Congress, then Ethics has no jurisdiction," Guest explained.
Trump's decision to nominate Gaetz is seen as a bid to solidify his influence over the Justice Department. Throughout his tenure on the House Judiciary Committee, Gaetz has been a vocal critic of what he perceives as politically motivated investigations targeting Trump and his allies. The president-elect praised Gaetz as a "deeply gifted and tenacious attorney" who would "end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations, and restore Americans' badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department."
The path to confirmation is expected to be rocky. Multiple Republican senators have privately expressed reservations, with one senator anonymously remarking, "He will never get confirmed." Others have pointed to Gaetz's polarizing style and past controversies as significant obstacles.
Gaetz is the third House Republican to be tapped for a role in the incoming Trump administration, joining Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) as National Security Adviser. Unlike Gaetz, Stefanik's appointment has already received bipartisan approval, and Waltz's role does not require Senate confirmation.
While Gaetz's allies, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), have lauded the nomination, Democrats and some Republicans are gearing up for a bruising confirmation fight. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) warned of a "robust and thorough" vetting process, emphasizing the Senate's duty to provide constitutional advice and consent.
Gaetz's track record, particularly his unwavering support for Trump, is likely to dominate the confirmation hearings. Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) characterized Gaetz as lacking the "strong judgment, moral character, and deep respect for the law" required for the role, adding, "What he does have is unconditional loyalty to Donald Trump."
