Donald Trump’s nomination of Congressman Matt Gaetz as attorney general sent shockwaves through Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, marking the most controversial pick for his administration yet and signaling Trump’s intent to disrupt the establishment in his second term.
Known for his incendiary style, Gaetz gained national attention for leading the charge to remove then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and for his often provocative actions in Congress. His confrontational approach has made him a divisive figure, even within his own party, and Trump’s choice reflects a clear message to Republican critics that his administration will be staffed by unwavering loyalists.
Axios reported audible gasps among Republican lawmakers when Trump’s choice for the nation’s top prosecutor was announced, with Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho reportedly reacting with an expletive. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski remarked, “This one was not on my Bingo card,” expressing skepticism about the nomination.
However, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Trump ally, praised Gaetz, calling him an “accomplished attorney” and a “reformer in heart and mind.”
Trump laid out his intentions for Gaetz’s role on social media, promising that Gaetz would overhaul the Department of Justice, which Trump has criticized for his numerous legal challenges. “Matt will root out systemic corruption at the DOJ and return the department to its true mission of fighting crime and upholding our democracy and constitution,” Trump wrote.
Trump’s choice of Gaetz—a staunch defender of Trump through congressional hearings, media appearances, and press events—signals his commitment to reforming the DOJ, a central campaign promise to address what he claims is bias against him. However, Gaetz has faced scrutiny himself, with past investigations by the DOJ and an ethics inquiry into alleged sexual misconduct, drug use, and misuse of campaign funds.
