Matt Gaetz Resigns from Congress to Become Attorney General in Trump Administration

Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz resigns from Congress to become Attorney General in Trump’s administration, sparking controversy and raising questions about ongoing investigations.

At a Glance

Donald Trump announces plans to nominate Matt Gaetz as Attorney General
Gaetz resigns from Congress, halting ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation
Nomination comes despite previous allegations and federal probes against Gaetz
Move raises concerns about potential impact on January 6 cases and Justice Department operations

Trump Taps Gaetz for Attorney General

In a surprising turn of events, President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate former Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz as the next Attorney General of the United States. This decision has sent shockwaves through Washington and beyond, given Gaetz’s controversial history and staunch support for Trump.

Trump’s nomination of Gaetz is seen as a strategic move to appoint a strong backer from his 2024 campaign to a key position in his administration. The former president praised Gaetz’s role in the House Judiciary Committee, particularly in opposing the Russia investigation and exposing what Trump refers to as “Government Corruption and Weaponization.”

President-elect Donald Trump has picked former Rep. Matt Gaetz, one of his most ardent supporters, to be attorney general in his new administration. Gaetz was under investigation by the House Ethics Committee until he resigned from Congress late Wednesday.

“Matt will end… pic.twitter.com/sSD51Crgbj

— PBS News (@NewsHour) November 14, 2024

Gaetz’s Resignation and Its Implications

Following Trump’s announcement, Gaetz promptly resigned from his position in Congress. This abrupt departure has significant implications, particularly for the ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use against Gaetz. With his resignation, the committee loses jurisdiction over these matters, effectively halting the probe.

“Once a member is no longer a member of Congress, then Ethics has no jurisdiction” – House Ethics Committee Chair Michael Guest (R-Miss.)

The timing of Gaetz’s resignation is particularly noteworthy, as it came just before the Ethics Committee was set to vote on releasing a report on their findings. This move has left many questioning the motivations behind both the nomination and the swift resignation.

Controversial Past and Ongoing Investigations

Gaetz’s nomination comes with a significant amount of baggage. He has faced numerous allegations, including a federal sex trafficking probe, though he was ultimately not charged. The Justice Department investigation, which began under former Attorney General Bill Barr, examined claims of Gaetz paying underage girls for sex and his connections to Joel Greenberg, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

“We could send criminal referrals to the Department of Justice, we go take the White House back, and you never know…it may be an Attorney General Matt Gaetz down the road or someone of my liking who will be there to actually enforce the law and provide the accountability” – Matt Gaetz

Despite these controversies, Gaetz has consistently denied all allegations, claiming they are part of a smear campaign against him. His aggressive style in Congress, where he often criticized both Democrats and Republicans, has made him a polarizing figure in Washington.

Matt Gaetz resigns from Congress after Trump nominated him for attorney general https://t.co/no2UoEC0u1

— Live5News (@Live5News) November 14, 2024

Potential Impact on Justice Department and Ongoing Cases

Trump has stated that Gaetz would address “systemic corruption” at the Justice Department and uphold democracy and the constitution. However, concerns have been raised about how Gaetz’s appointment might affect ongoing legal cases, particularly those related to the January 6 events and the 2020 election.

Gaetz has previously supported baseless claims about the 2020 election and the events of January 6, raising questions about how he might handle related cases as Attorney General. His potential appointment has elicited mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a controversial and potentially destabilizing move for the Justice Department.

Looking Ahead

As the news of Gaetz’s nomination and resignation settles, attention now turns to the confirmation process. Gaetz will face Senate confirmation, which is far from certain given his controversial history and the narrow margins in the Senate. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will set the timeline for a special election to fill Gaetz’s vacated congressional seat, with Republicans concerned about maintaining their slim majority in the House.

The coming weeks will likely see intense scrutiny of Gaetz’s record and qualifications for the role of Attorney General, as well as broader discussions about the direction of the Justice Department under a potential second Trump administration.