Trump Nominates Matt Gaetz For Attorney General
President-elect Donald J. Trump has announced his nomination for Attorney General, tapping Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) for the position. The announcement was made via Trump’s social media platform, TRUTH Social.
“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. He lauded Gaetz as a “deeply gifted and tenacious attorney” and highlighted his legal training at the College of William & Mary as well as his tenure on the House Judiciary Committee in the glowing statement.
Gaetz, a staunch Trump ally and a polarizing figure in Congress, has earned a reputation for his fiery rhetoric and aggressive stance on Justice Department oversight. Trump reinforced Gaetz’s role in exposing “systemic Government Corruption and Weaponization,” and is confident that Gaetz will lead efforts to “end the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System.”
Gaetz’s nomination marks a sharp departure from recent appointees to the nation’s top law enforcement position. Supporters argue that Gaetz’s adversarial approach to the Justice Department is exactly what the role requires in today’s political climate. Trump underscored this point, saying Gaetz would “restore Americans’ badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department.”
“Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans’ badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department,” wrote Trump.
“On the House Judiciary Committee, which performs oversight of DOJ, Matt played a key role in defeating the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, and exposing alarming and systemic Government Corruption and Weaponization. He is a Champion for the Constitution and the Rule of Law,” Trump wrote.
“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.” The President-elect finished, “We must have Honesty, Integrity, and Transparency at DOJ. Under Matt’s leadership, all Americans will be proud of the Department of Justice once again.”
Trump’s announcement highlights a central theme of his 2024 campaign: reshaping federal institutions he says have been “weaponized” against conservatives. Gaetz’s nomination ties directly into Trump’s broader promises to overhaul the Department of Justice and its affiliated agencies. The nomination has already caused a stir. Politico reporter Olivia Beavers captured the mood on Capitol Hill in a simple tweet: “The Senate seems shook.”
The Senate seems shook https://t.co/fJgKWzwfBN
— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) November 13, 2024
Throughout his career, Gaetz has been a polarizing figure, known for his unwavering conservative positions and active engagement in national politics. He is the son of Don Gaetz, a Florida State Senator-elect and former State Senate President.
In 2010, Gaetz won a special election to the Florida House of Representatives for the 4th district, succeeding Ray Sansom. He was re-elected unopposed in 2012 and 2014. In 2016, Gaetz was elected to the U.S. House, representing Florida’s 1st congressional district. Gaetz serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. He is also a member of the Freedom Caucus and the Republican Study Committee.
Gaetz’s nomination faces an uncertain path to Senate confirmation, with Republicans set to hold a slim 3-seat majority. While Trump remains a dominant force in GOP politics, moderate Republicans could balk at confirming such a divisive figure.
In the meantime, the nomination guarantees a contentious start to Trump’s post-election transition. As Congress prepares for confirmation hearings, Gaetz will face intense scrutiny, both for his professional record and his ability to lead one of the country’s most consequential institutions.
