In a stunning development that sent shockwaves through Washington, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz as his choice for U.S. Attorney General.
The move prompted Gaetz’s immediate resignation from the House of Representatives amid reports of a forthcoming ethics investigation.
The announcement drew immediate reaction from media figures, including CNN’s Jake Tapper, who opened his show expressing disbelief, including “some words that I never contemplated using together before.”
“Those words are: U.S. Attorney General Matt Gaetz,” Tapper said.
The nomination, announced via Truth Social on Wednesday, marks a dramatic elevation for the MAGA-aligned congressman who has faced multiple controversies throughout his political career.
“It is my Great Honor to announce that Congressman Matt Gaetz, of Florida, is hereby nominated to be The Attorney General of the United States,” Trump wrote.
Trump praised Gaetz’s legal background, citing his education at William & Mary College of Law and his focus on Justice Department reform during his congressional tenure.
Gaetz responded to the news on X by writing, “’It will be an honor to serve as President Trump’s Attorney General!’”
The president-elect emphasized his belief that addressing what he terms the “partisan Weaponization of our Justice System” stands among the nation’s most pressing concerns.
Hours after the nomination, Gaetz resigned from his congressional seat representing Florida’s first district, a move that coincided with Punchbowl News reporting the imminent release of what they described as a “highly damaging” ethics report concerning allegations of s*x trafficking and drug use.
Daily Mail reported that the House Ethics Committee had been investigating Gaetz since 2021 for alleged s*xual misconduct, illicit drug use and bribery.
Previously, the Justice Department conducted an investigation into s*x trafficking allegations involving a 17-year-old girl, though no charges were filed.
House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed receiving Gaetz’s resignation letter, describing the departure as unexpected.
The vacancy will now be filled through an appointment by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, with approximately eight weeks to select a successor.
Republican senators offered measured responses to the nomination, per Daily Mail.
Senator Tom Tillis suggested Gaetz might struggle to secure the necessary 50 Senate votes for confirmation, while promising to give the nominee “an honest look.”
“You got to have the credentials right so that’ll come out in the hearing, but then you have to have the relationships,” he continued.
Senator John Cornyn expressed uncertainty, noting his limited familiarity with Gaetz beyond his “public persona.”
