President-elect Donald Trump has selected Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida as his attorney general, opting for a loyal ally over more traditional choices to lead the Justice Department. Gaetz, known for his role as a staunch Trump defender and his reputation as a disruptor, has been tasked by Trump with significantly overhauling the department.
Gaetz, who represents the Florida Panhandle, rose to national prominence as a conservative figure, frequently appearing on cable news to defend Trump. Associated Press reporter Eric Tucker noted Gaetz’s unwavering loyalty to Trump as a key factor in the appointment, highlighting his consistent support during the Russia investigation and his alignment with Trump’s vision to restructure the Justice Department.
In early 2023, Gaetz sparked controversy within his own party by filing the resolution that led to the ousting of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy subsequently funded a primary challenge against Gaetz, including ads accusing him of paying for sex with a 17-year-old—an allegation still under investigation by the House Ethics Committee. Gaetz has denied the allegations, and the Justice Department previously closed its own investigation without filing charges.
“The Justice Department examined allegations of an underage encounter, closing the investigation without charges. The House Ethics Committee’s inquiry remains pending,” Tucker explained.