In a move that’s raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, US President-elect Donald Trump has named Florida Representative Matt Gaetz as his pick for attorney general. Trump announced his decision on Wednesday, the same day he met with President Joe Biden at the White House. The choice of Gaetz, a high-profile conservative, has sparked surprise and even dismay within Trump’s own Republican Party.
Trump lauded Gaetz as a “deeply gifted and tenacious attorney,” stating that the conservative lawmaker would work to end what he described as “weaponised government” at the Justice Department. Gaetz, a vocal critic of current Justice Department practices, has long pushed for reforms, claiming the department had been politicized under the Biden administration. In a statement posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, the president-elect highlighted Gaetz’s commitment to “desperately needed reform.”
Reaction to the announcement has been mixed, with some Republicans expressing skepticism and frustration. One GOP member reportedly reacted with disbelief, remarking, “Are you sh***ing me?” While Trump’s earlier appointments have been met with relatively quiet responses, this pick has stirred considerable debate.
Gaetz’s new role would place him at the helm of the Justice Department, a critical agency for Trump’s policy agenda. The department will be central to Trump’s priorities, including stricter immigration controls, policies on reproductive health, and measures of political accountability. Following the announcement, House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed that Gaetz submitted his resignation from the House of Representatives, effective immediately. Gaetz expressed excitement over the nomination, calling it “an honor to serve as President Trump’s Attorney General.”
With Gaetz now poised to lead the Justice Department, observers are watching to see how his appointment could shape the agency’s future direction under the Trump administration.
