The announcement of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) as President-elect Trump’s pick for attorney general, along with the nomination of former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for the role of Director of National Intelligence, sent shockwaves through Washington. These selections raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, particularly due to their controversial backgrounds and positions.
Trump’s nomination of Gaetz reflects his pattern of choosing loyal allies for critical positions, even as he has repeatedly criticized the Justice Department. Gaetz’s staunch support of the president and his aggressive stance against Trump’s critics mark him as a figure willing to carry out retribution against those perceived as enemies.
Senators Thom Tillis and Mitt Romney express skepticism about the viability of Gaetz and Gabbard’s nominations despite growing opposition.
This choice, however, raised serious concerns within the Senate, where even some Republicans were caught off guard by his selection. However, Gaetz was not among the names previously floated for the position, and his past as a target of a sex-trafficking investigation could ignite contentious debates during confirmation.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) expressed skepticism about Gaetz’s confirmation, noting that it was unlikely to garner any Democratic support. He pointed out that Gaetz, despite having a hearing, would face hurdles in securing the votes needed for approval.
Gabbard’s nomination also faces an uphill battle, given her history of controversial statements and connections that have raised alarm within the national security community. She has espoused pro-Russian views and has been criticized for spreading disinformation about Ukraine and NATO, leading to accusations of “treasonous lies” from figures like Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah).
Additionally, her 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, an ally of Russia, further complicated her potential confirmation. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) described Trump’s nominations as “surreal,” comparing them to the fantastical elements of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
The selections have pushed the party’s nominations into uncharted territory, as many in the Senate are unsure how they will proceed with the confirmation process. Gaetz’s lack of experience as a prosecutor only adds to the controversy surrounding his nomination.
Despite his deep loyalty to Trump, his nomination for attorney general could face staunch opposition in the Senate, where both Democrats and Republicans may find his actions and rhetoric troubling. Critics argue that his strong allegiance to the president, rather than his qualifications, was the driving force behind his selection.
Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio), a former Trump aide, questioned the wisdom of Gaetz’s nomination, suggesting that Trump’s decision was likely a reward for loyalty rather than an attempt to find the most qualified candidate. Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the attorney general should possess moral character and judgment—traits he believes Gaetz lacks.
Trump has a history of using the Justice Department to target his adversaries, a tactic he’s been open about during his first term. Gaetz has embraced similar tactics, accusing the Justice Department of bias and even filing complaints against Special Counsel Jack Smith. His combative rhetoric, including calls to dismantle federal agencies like the FBI and ATF, reflects the kind of approach that Trump appears to value in his attorney general pick.
