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By selecting Rep. Matt Gaetz as his attorney general nominee, President-elect Donald Trump is installing a fierce supporter seen as divisive within his own party.
Gaetz’s selection, although he was not one of his favorite candidates, was announced on Trump’s social media rather than a more formal announcement from the transition team, as was the case with many other candidates. First published on the network.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Gaetz’s resignation from Congress on Wednesday means the House Ethics Committee’s ongoing investigation into child sex trafficking allegations against Gaetz has concluded and no report will be issued. Then he said.
There are a few things you should know about Gaetz.
he had his own legal problems
The House Ethics Committee had been investigating Gaetz’s alleged involvement in a conspiracy to sex traffick 17-year-old girls, but the investigation ended Wednesday with Gaetz’s resignation from the House.
In June, the committee released an unusual update on its review, including whether Gaetz had engaged in sexual misconduct or illegal drug use, whether he had accepted inappropriate gifts, and the government’s investigation into his conduct. It also includes whether there was an attempt to interfere with the
The committee also investigated four other charges involving the congressman, including sharing inappropriate images and videos with colleagues on the House floor, accepting bribes and misappropriating campaign funds. announced that it would no longer consider the allegations.
Mr. Gates denies all allegations that he blames on his longtime nemesis, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, but the investigation began before Mr. McCarthy and the Republicans had a majority in the House.
In 2023, the Justice Department closed its sex trafficking investigation without filing charges against Gaetz.
Matt Gaetz worked at a private law firm before running for public office.
He has been loyal to Trump and aligned with Trump’s attacks on the “deep state.”
Mr. Gates, 42, who just won a fifth term representing much of the Florida Panhandle, has frequently defended Mr. Trump on cable news.
Earlier this year, he visited New York while Trump was on trial in a hush-money lawsuit. He shared a photo of himself and other Republicans standing behind President Trump. His caption echoed the words President Trump once used to address the Proud Boys: “Step back and stand by, Mr. President.”
During the June debate between Trump and President Joe Biden, Gaetz was at the center of the spin room talking about Trump’s successes. After Biden withdrew from the race, Gaetz was one of the people who helped prepare for the debate between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, in which the former president talked about how Haitian immigrants were treated as people’s pets and other objects. Among other things, Gates alleges: It was spreading on the internet.
Hours before Trump announced his nomination, Gaetz posted on X, echoing Trump’s frequent claims that he is being unfairly targeted by the justice system.
“We must bring this weaponized government against its people to full court,” Gaetz said. “If that means eliminating all three letter agencies from the FBI to the ATF, I’m ready to take action!”
If confirmed as attorney general, Gates would oversee both government agencies.
he confused other Republicans
Gaetz has been a staunch defender of Trump, but he has sometimes irritated Republicans, including during last year’s House leadership debate.
In early 2023, Gaetz was among a group of far-right conservatives who opposed McCarthy’s bid to become speaker of the House, and McCarthy had to wait 15 votes to win the seat. And it was Gaetz who orchestrated the vote that ultimately led to McCarthy’s ouster.
Mr. McCarthy accused Mr. Gates of being forced out to stop the ethics complaint against him.
Gaetz’s resignation will trigger a special election for the House seat in Florida’s 1st Congressional District, which has been held by Republicans for nearly 30 years.
he is a lawyer
Gates earned his degree from William & Mary Law School in 2007 and worked in an office in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
The Florida Bar suspended his license in 2021 for unpaid fees, but on Wednesday it listed him as a member in good standing on its website.
He may have a difficult path to approval.
Most Republicans declined to answer directly whether they supported the president-elect’s nomination. Republicans will have a 53-seat majority in the new Senate and will be able to rely on Vice President-elect J.D. Vance to break the 50-50 tie, allowing for a few defections.
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said of Gates, “I don’t know anything about him other than his public persona, so I’m going to treat him like any other candidate.”
“I’m not going to prejudge any of this,” Cornyn said, suggesting the Senate carefully consider the House Ethics Committee’s investigation.
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a member of the Judiciary Committee, called Gates a “smart, intelligent person” but said, “He will have to answer some difficult questions in his hearing. We’ll see how he responds.” ”
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, one of the few Republicans in Congress to criticize Mr. Trump, said she was shocked to hear of Mr. Gaetz’s nomination. I’m sure questions will be raised,” he added. In fact, the nomination will move forward. ”
Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, a fellow Trump critic, said Gaetz is not a serious candidate “as far as I’m concerned.”
North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, the Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, appeared to express doubts about the nomination, saying Gaetz was “best suited for the job” to win enough votes for confirmation. said.
“I’m sure it will be a popcorn-eating confirmation hearing,” Tillis said.
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