WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Capitol Hill is abuzz after President-elect Donald Trump created a political earthquake in Washington, D.C., by nominating Florida Republican Matt Gaetz as Attorney General.
Democrats have been sounding the alarm, warning Gaetz would use his position to go after anyone President-elect Trump wants. While Republicans may not go that far, some are very concerned about his nomination.
“Matt was a surprise,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.).
The prospect of an Attorney General Matt Gaetz is not sitting well with fellow Republicans, including North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer.
“He’s certainly not a consensus pick, which means a lot of political capital would have to be spent to get him across the finish line,” said Cramer.
President-elect Donald Trump wants Gaetz to lead the Justice Department, the same agency that was criminally investigating Gaetz for child sex trafficking.
The DOJ ultimately did not bring charges against him and Gaetz has denied the allegations.
The Ethics Committee in Congress was about to vote on releasing its own investigation into Gaetz Friday, but he resigned from his House seat Wednesday as soon as President-elect Trump announced his appointment.
“Let me tell you why I think he will have enough support. Because the American people support change,” said Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.).
Senators would have to confirm the attorney general position and Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty says he supports Gaetz.
“No one has been better at channeling the frustration of the American public against the DOJ than Matt Gaetz,” said Hagerty.
Lawmakers say regardless, this will be an early test for incoming Senate Republican Leader John Thune (R-S.D.).
“I will work every day here in the Senate to serve my colleagues and to advance President Trump’s agenda,” said Thune.
Republicans already have a very slim majority in the House so filling Gaetz’s seat and several others Trump appointed will complicate that.
