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Matt Gaetz Resigns from Congress as Trump Taps Him for Attorney General Amid Skepticism
Clear Facts
- Rep. Matt Gaetz resigned from the House of Representatives after being selected by President-elect Donald Trump to be the next attorney general.
- Speaker Mike Johnson announced Gaetz’s resignation and noted that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has about eight weeks to fill the vacancy.
- Gaetz’s nomination faces skepticism from some Republican senators due to his controversial past.
In a surprising turn of events, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., has stepped down from his position in the House of Representatives. This decision came on the heels of President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that Gaetz would be his pick for attorney general.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., confirmed the resignation, stating, “I think out of deference to us, he issued his resignation letter effective immediately.”
Johnson explained that the resignation was unexpected, but Gaetz cited concerns about potential absences as his reason for stepping down.
Florida state law allows Governor Ron DeSantis approximately eight weeks to appoint a replacement for Gaetz’s seat. Johnson expressed optimism that the seat could be filled by January 3.
He noted that he is already in contact with DeSantis to expedite the process.
Trump’s selection of Gaetz marks the third House Republican chosen for his administration. Previously, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., was tapped as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., was picked for the role of National Security Adviser.
While these appointments have raised concerns about the GOP’s majority in the House, Gaetz’s early resignation may help alleviate some of those worries.
However, Gaetz’s path to confirmation is not without obstacles. His controversial history, including a DOJ investigation into allegations of a relationship with a minor, could complicate his confirmation.
“He will never get confirmed,” one Republican senator reportedly said, speaking anonymously.
Another source simply remarked, “Ain’t gonna happen,” regarding Gaetz’s chances.
Despite these challenges, Trump praised Gaetz, describing him as “a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney” who will work to “end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans’ badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department.”
The news of Gaetz’s nomination and resignation was met with audible gasps during the House Republicans’ leadership elections, highlighting the unexpected nature of the announcement.
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