John Thune, the incoming Senate Majority Leader (R-S.D.), shared his thoughts on President-elect Trump’s controversial decision to appoint former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) as attorney general when he returns to the White House. Thune stated that he was uncertain about Gaetz’s confirmation, noting that the confirmation process would need to uncover first.
“I don’t know until we start the process, and that’s what we intend to do with him and all the other potential nominees,” Thune explained to reporters Thursday. “None of this stuff’s formal yet, but once it is, we expect our committees to do their jobs and provide the advice and consent that is required under the Constitution.”
Thune pledges thorough confirmation process for Gaetz and other nominees
Trump recently disclosed several nominations for his Cabinet, including selecting Gaetz to head the Justice Department. The choice raised eyebrows among some GOP senators, who expressed doubts about whether Gaetz would have the necessary support for confirmation, particularly given his past investigations by the same agency.
“Most certainly, it would be concerning because it’s part of his file,” Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) remarked after Trump’s announcement. “We normally give the president the benefit of the doubt, but we still do our due diligence, and advice and consent is still important,” he added.
Later, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) confirmed that Gaetz would resign from Congress “effective immediately.” Concerns over Gaetz’s nomination have partly stemmed from the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) investigation into allegations that he had sexual intercourse with an underage girl. The investigation concluded last year with no criminal charges, and Gaetz has firmly denied any wrongdoing.
Additionally, the House Ethics Committee had been investigating allegations of illicit drug use and sexual misconduct involving Gaetz, among other claims. However, with his resignation from the House, the committee no longer holds jurisdiction, although the report could still be released.
The fact-finding panel was scheduled to meet on Friday to vote on whether to release the report concerning Gaetz, according to a source familiar with the matter.
