US Representative Matt Gaetz’s (R-FL) nomination for Attorney General by President-elect Donald Trump has caught many by surprise, with some Republicans outright rejecting his selection.
Representative Gaetz, a William and Mary law school graduate and loyal ally of President Trump, practiced law for a few years with the Keefe, Anchors & Gordon law firm, where he advocated for a more open and transparent government.
Trump claimed Gaetz is "a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney, trained at the William & Mary College of Law, who has distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice."
However, some Republican Senators differ.
Maine Senator Susan Collins (R), who alleged she would not vote for Trump in the November elections, criticized the pick.
"This shows why the advice and consent process is so important and I'm sure that there will be a lot of questions raised at his hearing," said Senator Collins, adding that she was “shocked” by the choice.
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski (R) also belittled Trump’s choice, alleging Gaetz was not “ a serious nomination for the attorney general.”
“We need to have a serious attorney general and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to consider somebody that is serious,” continued Senator Murkowski.
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) questioned if Gaetz would receive enough Senatorial support to be confirmed.
Gaetz has "got his work really cut out for him" to get confirmed, claimed Senator Ernst.
Gaetz, who has similarly previously criticized some of his Republican colleagues, is also resented by some Republicans in the House of Representatives.
"Gaetz has a better shot at having dinner with Queen Elizabeth II than being confirmed by the senate," said Representative Max Miller (R-OH).
Republicans have regained control of the Senate and have a two seat advantage, which means Gaetz cannot lose support from more than two Republicans if he is to be confirmed.
Considering this backdrop, Gaetz’s confirmation hearings are predicted to be some of the most controversial of all of Trump’s cabinet picks.
