Trump picks Florida Representative Matt Gaetz as attorney general
The attorney general will be responsible for defending a wide range of contentious Trump policies—including immigration crackdowns and anti-abortion initiatives—that are expected to provoke legal challenges.
TroibNews 
President-elect Donald Trump has selected Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, known for his provocative stance, as his attorney general.
If the GOP-controlled Senate confirms Gaetz, he will take on one of the most significant Cabinet roles in the upcoming Trump administration.
This appointment would position Gaetz at the helm of the Justice Department, which previously investigated allegations regarding his involvement with underage girls and their transportation. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing, and the investigation was closed last year without criminal charges. However, the House Ethics Committee is still examining the allegations.
As attorney general, Gaetz will be responsible for upholding numerous controversial Trump policies, including immigration and anti-abortion measures that are likely to face legal challenges.
Trump has also stated his intention to use the Justice Department against his political adversaries. Consequently, Gaetz's initial priorities may include dismissing the two federal criminal cases against Trump.
Known for being one of Trump's most vocal supporters, Gaetz has drawn criticism from even fellow Republicans while maintaining his loyalty to the former president. In making his choice, Trump overlooked options that some allies, including Utah Senator Mike Lee, suggested might be more acceptable to Democrats and moderate Republicans. Early reactions from Senate Republicans indicate some reservations about the appointment.
In a statement announcing the selection, Trump expressed that Gaetz has “distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice.”
“Matt will root out the systemic corruption at DOJ, and return the Department to its true mission of fighting Crime, and upholding our Democracy and Constitution,” Trump added.
A graduate of William & Mary Law School, Gaetz practiced law in Florida prior to his election to the state legislature. He has also perpetuated some of Trump’s more incendiary narratives regarding the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, downplaying the violence and suggesting a “two-tiered justice system” for those involved, along with promoting conspiracy theories about the incident.
Gaetz was active in the events leading up to January 6, working with Republican allies to urge then-Vice President Mike Pence to take unprecedented actions to thwart the certification of Joe Biden's election victory. He participated in White House meetings discussing the plan and has openly stated that he pressured Pence on this matter.
Should Trump regain control of the Justice Department, a primary goal will likely be to terminate the two federal criminal cases currently against him—provided they remain unresolved by his inauguration on January 20. These cases, presented by Special Counsel Jack Smith, involve Trump's attempts to undermine the 2020 election results and the mishandling of classified documents post-presidency. A Trump-nominated judge dismissed the classified documents case in July, although Smith sought to reinstate it.
On the campaign trail, Trump declared he would dismiss Smith “within two seconds” if elected and has threatened prosecution against him.
Following Trump's election, Justice Department officials suggested they might wind down both cases, aligning with the department's policy against charging sitting presidents. However, if either case is still in progress when Trump takes office, it is expected that he will direct his attorney general to drop the charges immediately. Some career officials within the department are contemplating departure beforehand, concerned about Trump's history of threats and retribution.
It appears Trump is determined to use the Justice Department to pursue retribution against his political rivals. He has issued threats of legal charges or other measures against figures such as President Biden and his family, Vice President Kamala Harris, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, members of the House January 6 select committee, and more. Additionally, Trump has indicated intentions to target various unnamed Democratic lawyers, political operatives, “illegal voters,” election officials, judges, and court personnel.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
If the GOP-controlled Senate confirms Gaetz, he will take on one of the most significant Cabinet roles in the upcoming Trump administration.
This appointment would position Gaetz at the helm of the Justice Department, which previously investigated allegations regarding his involvement with underage girls and their transportation. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing, and the investigation was closed last year without criminal charges. However, the House Ethics Committee is still examining the allegations.
As attorney general, Gaetz will be responsible for upholding numerous controversial Trump policies, including immigration and anti-abortion measures that are likely to face legal challenges.
Trump has also stated his intention to use the Justice Department against his political adversaries. Consequently, Gaetz's initial priorities may include dismissing the two federal criminal cases against Trump.
Known for being one of Trump's most vocal supporters, Gaetz has drawn criticism from even fellow Republicans while maintaining his loyalty to the former president. In making his choice, Trump overlooked options that some allies, including Utah Senator Mike Lee, suggested might be more acceptable to Democrats and moderate Republicans. Early reactions from Senate Republicans indicate some reservations about the appointment.
In a statement announcing the selection, Trump expressed that Gaetz has “distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice.”
“Matt will root out the systemic corruption at DOJ, and return the Department to its true mission of fighting Crime, and upholding our Democracy and Constitution,” Trump added.
A graduate of William & Mary Law School, Gaetz practiced law in Florida prior to his election to the state legislature. He has also perpetuated some of Trump’s more incendiary narratives regarding the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, downplaying the violence and suggesting a “two-tiered justice system” for those involved, along with promoting conspiracy theories about the incident.
Gaetz was active in the events leading up to January 6, working with Republican allies to urge then-Vice President Mike Pence to take unprecedented actions to thwart the certification of Joe Biden's election victory. He participated in White House meetings discussing the plan and has openly stated that he pressured Pence on this matter.
Should Trump regain control of the Justice Department, a primary goal will likely be to terminate the two federal criminal cases currently against him—provided they remain unresolved by his inauguration on January 20. These cases, presented by Special Counsel Jack Smith, involve Trump's attempts to undermine the 2020 election results and the mishandling of classified documents post-presidency. A Trump-nominated judge dismissed the classified documents case in July, although Smith sought to reinstate it.
On the campaign trail, Trump declared he would dismiss Smith “within two seconds” if elected and has threatened prosecution against him.
Following Trump's election, Justice Department officials suggested they might wind down both cases, aligning with the department's policy against charging sitting presidents. However, if either case is still in progress when Trump takes office, it is expected that he will direct his attorney general to drop the charges immediately. Some career officials within the department are contemplating departure beforehand, concerned about Trump's history of threats and retribution.
It appears Trump is determined to use the Justice Department to pursue retribution against his political rivals. He has issued threats of legal charges or other measures against figures such as President Biden and his family, Vice President Kamala Harris, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, members of the House January 6 select committee, and more. Additionally, Trump has indicated intentions to target various unnamed Democratic lawyers, political operatives, “illegal voters,” election officials, judges, and court personnel.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
