Rudolph Angler CNN anchor Jake Tapper expressed shock on Wednesday after President-elect Donald Trump announced Rep. Matt Gaetz as his nominee for Attorney General. “I never thought I’d say the words, ‘US Attorney General Matt Gaetz,’” Tapper said during his show.
The announcement triggered surprise and mixed reactions across Congress, particularly within the GOP. Known for his loyalty to Trump, Gaetz, 42, resigned from Congress following the news, ending a House Ethics investigation into alleged misconduct and abuse of office. House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed Gaetz’s resignation, which nullifies the ethics probe just as it was set to release potentially damaging findings.
Trump praised Gaetz as a “tenacious attorney” committed to reforming the Department of Justice, stating Gaetz would focus on curbing government “weaponization” and restoring faith in the agency. In his remarks, Trump emphasized Gaetz’s intention to root out corruption and return the DOJ to its mission of “fighting crime and upholding the Constitution.”
Yet, the nomination sparked laughter and disbelief among some House Republicans, who reacted with shock in a Capitol Hill meeting following the announcement. One member reportedly laughed to the point of tears. Some Senate Republicans have raised concerns about Gaetz’s suitability for the role, questioning his ability to gain confirmation even with a GOP-majority Senate.
If confirmed, Gaetz would replace Merrick Garland, whom Trump has criticized as targeting Republicans. Gaetz, a former attorney, has often criticized DOJ investigations into Trump, promising to address alleged partisan bias within the justice system.