November 13, 2024
Washington, D.C. — President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., as Attorney General is facing immediate resistance from within the Senate GOP. Several Republican senators expressed doubts about Gaetz’s confirmation, citing his controversial background and ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation.
“He will never get confirmed,” one anonymous GOP senator told Fox News Digital. Another Senate Republican source was blunt, saying, “Ain’t gonna happen.”
Gaetz, a vocal ally of Trump and a member of the House Judiciary Committee, responded to the backlash by affirming his commitment on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “It will be an honor to serve as President Trump’s Attorney General!” Gaetz’s office has otherwise declined to comment on the Senate GOP criticism.
Ethics Concerns Loom Large
Some Senate Republicans pointed to Gaetz’s ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation as a potential obstacle. The Ethics Committee is examining allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and acceptance of improper gifts. Additionally, Gaetz was previously investigated by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for sex trafficking allegations, although the DOJ ultimately dropped the investigation last year without filing charges.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, highlighted the Senate’s responsibility to vet nominees thoroughly. “I think we have to consider any nominee by the president seriously, but we also have a constitutional responsibility,” Cornyn said, acknowledging that the ethics investigation “might come up” during the confirmation process.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, also referenced the importance of the Senate’s role in confirming presidential nominees, especially those with complex backgrounds. “Obviously, the president has the right to nominate whomever he wishes, but this is why the background checks that are done by the FBI and the advice and consent process in the Senate, and public hearings are also important,” she stated.
Divisions Within the GOP
While some senators have openly voiced their reservations, others have been less forthcoming. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., said Gaetz would undergo the nomination process “just like everyone else.” Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., declined to comment on Trump’s choice, saying only, “I got nothing for you on that.”
Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., took a more neutral stance, stating that while the Senate should give the president-elect “the benefit of the doubt,” it must also fulfill its due diligence.
Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., chair of the Ethics Committee, explained that if Gaetz were to leave Congress for an executive position, the House ethics probe would end. “Once a member is no longer a member of Congress, then ethics has no jurisdiction,” Guest noted.
A Potential Recess Appointment?
With Senate Republicans unlikely to confirm Gaetz through the regular process, Trump could consider a recess appointment to bypass the Senate. Trump reportedly lobbied Senate GOP leadership candidates to support such appointments if necessary. Under a recess appointment, Gaetz could serve as Attorney General for nearly two years until the next session of Congress ends.
Newly elected Senate Minority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., appeared open to the possibility but did not fully commit. “We must act quickly and decisively to get the president’s cabinet and other nominees in place as soon as possible to start delivering on the mandate we’ve been sent to execute, and all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments,” Thune told Fox News Digital.
Recess appointments, according to a Congressional Research Service report, can last for nearly two years, expiring at the end of the next Senate session following the recess.
A Divisive Path Forward
The nomination of Gaetz has highlighted divisions within the GOP as it prepares to work with a Trump administration poised to implement an aggressive agenda. Gaetz, known for his loyalty to Trump and his fierce stance on issues related to DOJ oversight, has long been a polarizing figure within the party. As Trump’s pick for Attorney General, Gaetz would bring a bold and combative approach to the role—an asset to Trump’s agenda but a potential flashpoint in the Senate confirmation process.
For now, Gaetz’s confirmation remains uncertain, and the potential for a recess appointment may ultimately depend on the level of support Trump can secure from Senate Republicans. As the GOP grapples with this high-profile nomination, the next steps could set the tone for Trump’s Cabinet selections and Senate relations as the administration takes shape.
Sources:
- Fox News Digital – Senate GOP reactions and anonymous statements on Gaetz’s nomination
- Congressional Research Service – Recess appointment details and guidelines
- Getty Images – Visual documentation of key figures and events
