Republicans baffled after Donald Trump picks 'reckless' Matt Gaetz for 'attorney general'

Donald Trump's nomination of far-right Republican congressman Matt Gaetz as attorney general has sparked outrage in Washington, even inside the president-elect's own party.

On Wednesday, Trump appointed Gaetz as the nation's chief law enforcement officer at the Justice Department, a post that directs the government's legal stances on crucial issues such as abortion, civil rights, and the first amendment.

Matt Gaetz in 2024.

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Republicans were perplexed by this nomination, claiming it was not on their "bingo card".

"I don't think it's a serious nomination for the attorney general," Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska told NBC News. "We need a real Attorney General. And I'm looking forward to the chance to contemplate someone who is serious. "This wasn't on my bingo card."

Gaetz, a right-wing firebrand, was a thorn in the side of his Republican colleague and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, finally spearheading the successful effort to remove McCarthy from his position.

The Justice Department investigated him in a sex-trafficking case, but no charges were filed. And was under investigation by the House ethics committee for sexual misbehavior, illegal drug usage, and other potential ethical violations.

Gaetz has vehemently denied wrongdoing.

It's uncertain if Gaetz will be able to obtain Senate approval, despite opposition from his own party.

According to Republican congressman Max Miller of Ohio, "Gaetz has a better shot at having dinner with Queen Elizabeth II than being confirmed by the Senate".

Miller also told Politico that Gaetz is "a reckless pick" with "a zero percent shot".

According to former national security advisor John Bolton, Gaetz "must be the worst nomination for a cabinet position in American history".

"Gaetz is not just completely inept for this job; he also lacks character. "He is a person of moral turpitude," Bolton said in an interview with NBC News.

Axios was informed by an unidentified House GOP member: "This isn't what we were thinking. We wanted him out of the House." Another said they were "stunned and disgusted".

The announcement stunned Democrats as well. According to Vice President Kamala Harris's team, Trump and Gaetz "will weaponize the DoJ to protect themselves and their allies".

Congressman Ro Khanna of California noted that Americans did not necessarily vote for these cabinet nominees when they elected Trump.

"People voted for Trump to bring down prices and secure the border. "I don't believe they voted for the appointments that they are getting," Khanna told CBS News. "He isn't moving towards the center. He's going to his Maga base, and we'll see if he's overstepping the mandate he received from the American people."

Kate Maeder, a political consultant based in California, said the revelation should come as no surprise, but she questioned Trump's confidence in Gaetz's ability to pass the confirmation process. "It's not surprising that Trump rewards his political supporters," Maeder told the Guardian. "Many are surprised that he is contemplating Matt Gaetz for attorney general. But is this a genuine choice? "I do not think so."

"In this political climate, it's definitely possible for Matt Gaetz to be confirmed," she told reporters. "But I believe it will be difficult. Some of the more moderate Republican senators have already expressed concerns about this decision."