On Wednesday, November 13, President-elect Donald Trump announced the nomination of Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz to serve as the Attorney General of the United States. Following the announcement, Gaetz promptly resigned from his position as a member of the House of Representatives.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump informed House Speaker Mike Johnson that he intended to appoint Gaetz as Attorney General. Gaetz then submitted his resignation, which took immediate effect. Johnson stated that Gaetz’s original term of eight weeks could be used to fill his seat, possibly before the start of the new Congress on January 3. Gaetz’s resignation also marks the end of the long-standing ethics investigation against him.
Johnson viewed Gaetz’s early resignation, prior to confirmation, as a remarkable move to assist the Republican majority in quickly filling his vacancy, rather than waiting for Senate confirmation before initiating the process.
Johnson expressed approval of Trump’s nomination, calling Gaetz one of the “smartest” members of Congress. Johnson noted Gaetz’s longstanding interest in the Department of Justice, stating, “He is a reformer both in spirit and heart, and I believe he will make significant contributions in this regard.”
However, Gaetz’s decision to resign immediately has raised questions and doubts regarding his timing. Gaetz has been under investigation for several years, and it was expected that investigations involving him and others would conclude by the end of the year. Following Gaetz’s resignation, both parties no longer have jurisdiction over him, as they believe the investigations and subsequent reports have effectively become irrelevant.
On Wednesday afternoon, Trump posted on the social platform Truth Social, praising Gaetz as one of his most loyal allies, describing him as a “talented and resilient attorney” who will end the “partisan weaponization of our justice system.”
In response, the 42-year-old Gaetz stated, “I am honored to serve as Attorney General under President Trump!”
Gaetz flew to Washington D.C. on Wednesday alongside Trump, and they returned together.
While Republicans will control the Senate in January next year, it remains uncertain whether Gaetz’s nomination will be smoothly confirmed.