Rep. Matt Gaetz Nominated For Attorney General By President-Elect

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., one of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's harshest critics, leaves the chamber after speaking on the floor, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Gaetz has said he p

House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that President-elect Donald Trump's selection of GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general was a decision made organically and not influenced by an upcoming House ethics report. Johnson expressed that Trump values Gaetz's legal expertise and that the timing of the decision was more aligned with the administration's needs rather than any external factors.

Reports indicated that the House ethics panel was set to release a report on Gaetz, prompting his swift resignation from the House to focus on the Cabinet confirmation process. This move potentially delayed the release of the ethics report. Johnson mentioned that he was not aware of the specific timing of the Gaetz report.

Gaetz resigned from House to focus on Cabinet confirmation process.

House Speaker Mike Johnson stated Trump's decision was organic, not influenced by ethics report.

Timing of Gaetz's appointment aligned with administration's needs, not external factors.

When questioned about the appropriateness of someone under investigation by the Department of Justice for sex trafficking being appointed to lead the department, Johnson deferred to the president's judgment. He highlighted Gaetz's dedication to combating the misuse of government power and legal tactics within the DOJ, suggesting that Gaetz could bring about immediate reforms if appointed.