US President-elect Donald Trump announced his decision to appoint Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz to the position of Attorney General.
In a statement on the Truth Social platform, Trump noted that he considers stopping the politicization of the justice system to be the most important issue in the United States.
Trump added that Gaetz would work to eliminate vested interests, secure borders, dismantle criminal organizations and restore confidence in the Justice Department. Goetz himself wrote on his page on the social network X that he was ready to get to work and, if necessary, liquidate the FBI.
Trump’s appointment caused surprise among his colleagues in Congress. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine expressed surprise at the selection and emphasized in an interview with Punchbowl News the importance of confirming the nominees in the Senate, where Gaetz will face many questions during his hearing.
Senator John Cornyn of Texas, according to Politico, rolled his eyes at mention of the appointment and added that the election is the president’s right, but that he knows virtually nothing about Gaetz other than his public image.
Gaetz, known as an outspoken Trump supporter, remains the subject of an investigation by the House Ethics Committee. In June, the committee said it needed further consideration of a series of allegations against the congressman, including allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use and interference with investigations.
Goetz categorically denied his guilt, emphasizing that he did not have intimate relationships with minors and did not pay for sexual services. The criminal case against him was closed by the Justice Department last year without charges.
House Republicans also expressed concern about the appointment. Gaetz played a key role in the impeachment of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, drawing criticism from his party colleagues. Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska said he had nothing positive to say about the decision. Ohio’s Max Miller called the appointment “reckless” and added that Gaetz’s chances of being confirmed in the Senate are slim to none.
Gaetz, 42, who was elected to Congress in 2016, represents a district in the Florida Panhandle and has a reputation as one of Trump’s most vocal supporters. Senators from both parties expressed surprise at his nomination, which could jeopardize his confirmation as attorney general, where he will replace Merrick Garland.
Goetz has repeatedly made headlines for conflicts with Jewish organizations and clashes with members of the Jewish community, and has also been involved in a human trafficking investigation. Major Jewish organizations condemned his candidacy and accused Goetz of anti-Semitism. The American Jewish Committee said that in the face of rising anti-Semitism, the head of the Justice Department should be someone who will fight this evil and not promote it. Anti-Defamation League head Jonathan Greenblatt also condemned Gaetz for his history of anti-Semitic comments.
In 2018, Gaetz received criticism for inviting Holocaust denier Charles Johnson to his appearance. Johnson has publicly questioned the Holocaust death toll. Gaetz himself supports aid to Israel and believes that the US administration has the right to provide this aid without congressional approval, citing the unique relationship between the two countries.
He is also known for facilitating the impeachment of President McCarthy in 2023, which temporarily froze support for Ukraine. He himself is against providing aid to Ukraine.
Previously, Kursor reported that Trump chose the governor who killed his puppy as head of the Interior Department.
