Senate Republicans are signaling strong resistance to the confirmation of Matt Gaetz, former Florida congressman and President-elect Donald Trump's pick for attorney general.
A majority of GOP senators have privately expressed skepticism about Gaetz's chances of securing the position, with concerns centered on his controversial past and ongoing scrutiny. "There are not enough votes in the Senate to confirm Gaetz," multiple Republican sources told NBC News, with estimates indicating that as many as 30 Republican senators view him as unqualified.
Gaetz has been embroiled in controversy throughout his political career, including a Justice Department investigation into allegations of sex trafficking involving a minor. While Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and was not criminally charged, the specter of the allegations continues to hover over his political future. The House Ethics Committee has also investigated Gaetz for alleged sexual misconduct and drug use, a probe that has persisted for years.
President-elect Trump remains steadfast in his support for Gaetz, emphasizing his intention to end what he perceives as a partisan weaponization of the Justice Department. "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," Trump posted on Truth Social.
The announcement of Gaetz's nomination reportedly caught many Republicans off guard, with only House Speaker Mike Johnson receiving advance notice. Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas stated, "We need to have a complete vetting of the nominees, not only so we know that the nominee is qualified, but also to protect the president."
The controversy surrounding Gaetz escalated when a lawyer representing a woman testified to the House Ethics Committee, claiming that she witnessed Gaetz engaging in sexual activity with a minor at a party in 2017. Gaetz has consistently denied the allegations, and his spokesperson pointed to the Justice Department's decision not to bring charges. "Merrick Garland's DOJ cleared Matt Gaetz and didn't charge him," the spokesperson said. "Are you alleging Garland is part of a cover-up?"
The Senate Judiciary Committee and other lawmakers are grappling with the implications of Gaetz's abrupt resignation from Congress following Trump's announcement of his nomination. Gaetz's resignation effectively ended the House Ethics Committee's jurisdiction over him, but the committee's report, which had been scheduled for release, remains a topic of intense debate. Senate Republicans and Democrats alike have indicated a desire to review the report as part of the confirmation process.
Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., noted that Gaetz's confirmation would require a "complete vetting" and emphasized the importance of transparency, given the high stakes involved in the nomination. "I think when you're at this point, particularly given his abrupt departure from Congress just prior to that report coming out, considering the job that he is being appointed to, considering that the FBI is going to do a background check anyway, I can't imagine that the committee is not going to want to see it."
Gaetz's nomination underscores the political divisions within the Republican Party, with Trump's loyalists rallying to support the former congressman, while others voice serious concerns. The confirmation process is likely to be contentious, with potential implications for Trump's broader Cabinet picks and his administration's relationship with the Senate.
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, acknowledged the challenges facing Gaetz's confirmation but expressed confidence in Trump's nominees overall. "If they want to send [the report] that'd be fine," Graham said, while reiterating his intention to support the president-elect's judicial appointments.
