Hugh Hewitt, a conservative radio host, speculated on Thursday that President-elect Trump might be employing a strategic move with his nomination of former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) for attorney general.
During an appearance on “The Hugh Hewitt Show,” Hewitt suggested that Trump’s decision could be part of a larger plan. He explained that Gaetz’s resignation from the House could have been a maneuver to end an ongoing ethics investigation, as such investigations lose jurisdiction when a member steps down.
Despite resigning to end the House Ethics probe, Gaetz’s legal troubles may follow him into Senate hearings
However, he noted that while the House loses jurisdiction, the investigation would continue in the Senate Judiciary Committee. “An FBI full field background check would be opened into Matt Gaetz,” Hewitt elaborated, pointing out that Gaetz would have to testify under oath, with penalties for perjury outlined by 18 U.S.C. 1001. “If Gaetz is not truthful during that hearing, it’s a felony.”
On Wednesday, Trump revealed that he had selected Gaetz to serve as his attorney general in the upcoming administration, contingent on Senate confirmation. The president-elect praised Gaetz in a post on Truth Social, calling him a “deeply gifted and tenacious attorney” who has excelled in Congress, particularly through his efforts to push for reforms at the Department of Justice.
Recently, Gaetz has been under investigation by the House Ethics Committee over allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use, and other misconduct. However, his resignation effectively ended the committee’s probe. Despite the end of the investigation, figures like Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) have expressed interest in the committee’s findings on Gaetz.
Though Gaetz has been a staunch ally of Trump, he has made enemies within his own party, most remarkable former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), with whom he has had public disputes.
Hewitt, who referred to McCarthy as a longtime friend, voiced his belief that Gaetz is unfit for a position at the Justice Department. “I do not believe Matt Gaetz is responsible, and I don’t think he should be near the fifth floor of the Department of Justice. I trust the Senate,” Hewitt said.
