Trump Taps Matt Gaetz, Under Ethics Scrutiny, for Attorney General Role

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention on Wednesday to nominate U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz as the next attorney general of the United States. This decision comes as a surprise, given that the Florida Republican is currently under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegations of sexual misconduct, improper drug use, and accepting questionable gifts.

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Gaetz would lead the Justice Department, which oversees over 40 component organizations and employs approximately 115,000 individuals. The nomination arrives as U.S. special counsel Jack Smith concludes two federal inquiries involving Trump: one concerning the unlawful retention of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago and another related to efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Trump took to social media to praise Gaetz, branding him “a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney” and emphasizing Gaetz’s focus on reforms within the Justice Department. He expressed confidence that under Gaetz’s leadership, the department would address systemic corruption and restore public trust.

In a response on the platform X, Gaetz embraced the nomination, stating, “It will be an honor to serve as President Trump’s Attorney General!”

The House Committee on Ethics revealed ongoing investigations into Gaetz in June. This included reviewing claims that he may have engaged in sexual misconduct, accepted improper gifts, and attempted to obstruct inquiries into his behavior. Gaetz has consistently denied these allegations.

The ethics investigation, which began in April 2021, initially included accusations of sharing inappropriate content on the House floor and misusing campaign funds. However, the committee later narrowed its focus. As of June, the panel had interviewed numerous witnesses and issued multiple subpoenas as part of the investigation.

House Ethics Committee Chair Rep. Michael Guest commented that should Gaetz achieve confirmation as attorney general, the committee would relinquish its oversight over the investigation. “Once we lose jurisdiction, there would not be a report that would be issued,” he explained, highlighting the procedural norms regarding members under ethics scrutiny.

Reactions from lawmakers have been mixed, with some expressing disbelief at the nomination. Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski questioned the seriousness of Gaetz’s candidacy, while Maine Sen. Susan Collins echoed sentiments regarding the necessity of a competent attorney general.

Sen. John Cornyn from Texas indicated uncertainty about Gaetz and anticipated substantial questioning during the confirmation process. In contrast, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio voiced support for Gaetz, praising his qualifications without delving into recent controversies.

While some Republicans signaled a willingness to engage with Gaetz’s nomination, Democrats expressed strong reservations. Rep. Jim Himes from Connecticut criticized the choice, asserting that Gaetz lacks the necessary judgment and character expected of a potential attorney general.

This situation highlights the contentious atmosphere in Washington as the Trump administration prepares for its new appointments amidst ongoing investigations and public scrutiny.