Donald Trump has had few allies in Congress as unwavering as Rep. Matt Gaetz. Known for his vocal support of Trump and fierce criticism of prosecutors investigating him, Gaetz has been a staunch defender, dismissing probes into Trump as “witch hunts.” This loyalty earned him a major role on Wednesday when Trump announced Gaetz as his choice for attorney general, favoring him over more traditional, seasoned candidates.
In appointing Gaetz as attorney general and John Ratcliffe as CIA director, Trump highlighted loyalty as their key qualification, citing both men’s roles in backing him during the Russia investigation. Trump’s picks show his intent for top officials to not only support his administration but also pursue those he perceives as enemies.
Trump’s selection of Gaetz comes as he enters the presidency following two federal indictments that are expected to conclude without further action. With a Supreme Court ruling that strengthens presidential authority over the Justice Department, Trump has also suggested he might seek revenge against his critics.
“Matt will root out the systemic corruption at DOJ, and return the department to its true mission of fighting Crime, and upholding our Democracy and Constitution,” Trump wrote on social media, emphasizing Gaetz’s commitment to “Honesty, Integrity, and Transparency.”
The decision marks a stark shift from President Joe Biden’s approach, as Biden has largely distanced himself from DOJ activities, even as a special counsel investigates his handling of classified documents and his son, Hunter Biden, faces legal charges. Democrats, however, were quick to express concerns. Sen. Dick Durbin, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called Gaetz’s nomination “a disaster,” warning of Trump’s intentions to use the DOJ for political payback. Others, including some Republicans, echoed these concerns.
Trump’s praise for Gaetz’s work “defeating the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, and exposing systemic Government Corruption” comes as little surprise. In his first term, Trump fired both an FBI director who declined to pledge loyalty and an attorney general who recused himself from the Russia investigation.
Former federal prosecutor Robert Mintz observed that Trump’s choice of Gaetz “indicates that President-elect Trump was looking for an attorney general whose views closely align with his” on how the DOJ should operate.
Trump’s pick for CIA director, John Ratcliffe, previously served as his Director of National Intelligence. Ratcliffe became a prominent Trump defender on Capitol Hill, especially during the Russia investigation, where he questioned multiple witnesses aggressively. Trump praised Ratcliffe’s commitment to “Truth and Honesty,” saying he had been instrumental in exposing what Trump calls the “fake Russian collusion” narrative.
Gaetz, who would be the first attorney general in decades without DOJ experience, recently avoided charges in a federal sex trafficking investigation. Just before his nomination, Gaetz shared his goal to combat what he sees as a “weaponized” government, even suggesting he would consider “abolishing” agencies like the FBI and ATF if necessary. Should he be confirmed, Gaetz would oversee these agencies himself.
In an echo of the administration’s theme of vengeance, billionaire Elon Musk also commented, posting, “The Hammer of Justice is coming” in response to Gaetz’s nomination.
Gaetz has consistently argued that the criminal justice system is biased against conservatives, accusing law enforcement of unfairly targeting Trump and his supporters. He famously criticized Robert Mueller for what he saw as bias in the Russia investigation and even scolded special prosecutor John Durham for not uncovering more damaging information on the FBI.
His criticism extended to FBI Director Christopher Wray, to whom Gaetz once remarked that Florida applicants “deserve better,” and to current Attorney General Merrick Garland. Garland, in 2022, appointed special counsel Jack Smith to investigate Trump’s possession of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago and his actions surrounding the 2020 election. Both investigations have led to indictments that are expected to conclude before Trump’s new term. Both Garland and Wray are likely to be replaced, given Trump’s dissatisfaction with their handling of DOJ investigations.
Ryan Fayhee, a former DOJ national security prosecutor, noted that the department’s independence would likely be a critical issue, saying it will depend on the “broad shoulders of career prosecutors and agents” who hold themselves to high standards.
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