The announcement that Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) would be nominated for attorney general left Senate Republicans stunned, immediately putting the party on the defensive over a highly controversial Cabinet pick.
Both Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), key centrist voices, were taken aback by the news. Murkowski criticized the nomination, calling it unserious and stressing the need for a more qualified candidate.
Senators Collins and Murkowski voice their concerns, calling Gaetz’s nomination unserious and urging a more qualified pick
“I don’t think it’s a serious nomination for attorney general,” Murkowski remarked to reporters. “We need to have a serious attorney general,” expressing her desire for a more credible candidate.
With Trump’s election win fresh in the minds of many, Republicans had been eager to push through swift confirmations for his Cabinet choices. However, Gaetz’s nomination, a figure known for his fiery rhetoric and role in ousting former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, prompted some Republicans to reconsider.
Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), a potential swing vote, declined to comment on Gaetz’s nomination. Instead, he chose to focus on Senator Marco Rubio’s (R-Fla.) earlier nomination for Secretary of State, saying he would evaluate other nominations later.
A major concern for Senate Judiciary Committee members and other senators is Gaetz’s past legal issues, particularly the investigation into accusations of his involvement with an underage girl. Though the investigation was closed without charges, an ongoing House Ethics Committee probe adds to the scrutiny. Senators are prepared to address these matters as they review Gaetz’s qualifications.
“It’s definitely a concern because it’s part of his record,” Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) acknowledged. “We give the president the benefit of the doubt, but due diligence is still necessary.”
The news of Gaetz’s nomination, following closely on the heels of Trump’s selection of former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, unsettled Republicans from across the party. The flurry of announcements came on an already hectic day that saw Trump visiting Washington and naming a new Senate GOP leader.
One Senate Republican aide reflected on the chaotic sequence, describing Trump’s day as a stark contrast to the calm meeting with House Republicans, followed by a dramatic shift with the Gaetz nomination.
Despite the flurry of unexpected news, it was Gaetz’s pick that particularly struck a chord with some senators. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), reacting with visible surprise to questions about Gaetz, attempted to maintain composure but could not hide his discomfort, prompting laughter from reporters.
“We’ll do our job and vet the nominee,” Cornyn stated firmly, maintaining a professional stance. Cornyn was also asked whether Gaetz would be his choice for attorney general, to which he replied, “I don’t get to choose, that’s the prerogative of the president.”
He reiterated that the Senate’s responsibility is to carry out its constitutional duties of advice and consent. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), another member of the Judiciary Committee, expressed doubt about Gaetz’s confirmation, predicting that no Democrats would support him.
Tillis remarked, “It’ll be interesting to see what his organic base is. At the end of the day, Congressman Gaetz will have a hearing, but I’m focused on counting votes. He’ll likely have to work hard to secure a strong vote.”
The Republican Party, with a slim majority, can afford to lose only three votes on any nomination, assuming Republican David McCormick wins his race against Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.). However, the race remains too close to call with the potential for an automatic recount.
Despite the narrow margin, some Trump nominees, particularly Gaetz and Gabbard, may struggle to gain enough support for confirmation. Senator Rounds, when asked whether Trump was testing members, responded with a laugh, acknowledging the uncertainty. “It remains to be seen,” he said. “But we have wondered if that might be part of the discussion.”
