Trump nominates Matt Gaetz as attorney-general pick

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Republican Representative Matt Gaetz as his nominee for attorney-general. Gaetz, a strong Trump ally, has faced Justice Department investigations in the past. 

Trump announced the decision in a statement, saying Gaetz would fight "systemic corruption" within the Justice Department.

Gaetz, 42, has no experience working as a prosecutor or in the Justice Department. Despite this, Trump praised him for his dedication to the Republican cause. Gaetz’s nomination will need approval from the Senate, which is controlled by Republicans.

On Wednesday, Gaetz resigned from the House of Representatives, effective immediately. House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed the news, saying it came as a surprise. Johnson noted that Gaetz’s resignation would allow the process of finding his replacement to start quickly.

Gaetz is no stranger to controversy. In 2023, he played a major role in removing former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which led to weeks of disorder in Congress.

Gaetz's nomination as attorney-general has raised doubts, even among some Republicans. Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed scepticism, saying, "I don’t think it’s a serious nomination." Many Republicans are unsure if Gaetz is the right choice for such an important position.

The attorney-general is the top law enforcement officer in the country. Trump’s inner circle has described the role as critical for his plans, including mass deportations and pardoning January 6 rioters.

Gaetz has been under scrutiny for years. The Justice Department investigated him for sex-trafficking allegations involving a 17-year-old girl. In 2023, prosecutors told Gaetz he would not face charges. However, he remains under investigation by the House ethics committee for other claims, including sexual misconduct and drug use. Gaetz denies all allegations.

Before entering politics, Gaetz worked at a law firm in Florida. He was first elected to Congress in 2016, the same year Trump became president.

Trump has often criticized the Justice Department, accusing it of targeting him unfairly. After leaving office in 2021, Trump faced investigations for attempting to overturn the 2020 election and keeping classified documents. While he objected to the charges, a judge later dismissed the documents case.

Trump’s plans for the Justice Department under Gaetz include significant changes. Gaetz has even suggested abolishing agencies like the FBI and ATF. Hours before his nomination was announced, Gaetz posted on social media, calling for a "full court press" against government agencies he believes are "weaponized" against Americans.

Many former Justice Department officials worry that Gaetz might politicize the agency. The Justice Department is traditionally independent, but Gaetz’s strong opinions could change that.

Critics also point to Gaetz’s lack of experience. Unlike past attorney-generals, he has never worked in law enforcement or handled criminal cases. This raises questions about how he would manage the Justice Department’s responsibilities.

The nomination has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters see Gaetz as a bold choice who will shake up the system. Critics, however, fear his lack of experience and controversial past could harm the Justice Department’s reputation.

As Gaetz prepares for Senate confirmation, his nomination is already a hot topic in Washington. Whether he secures the role or faces rejection, his selection marks another bold move by President-elect Trump.