Republican Senators Split Over Matt Gaetz’s Attorney General Nomination
As President-elect Donald Trump names former GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz as his prospective attorney general, top Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee are treading carefully regarding the nomination amid ongoing ethical concerns.
Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed that the committee has not yet discussed receiving the House Ethics Committee’s report on Gaetz, stating, "I just know that the nomination isn’t formalized yet." Thune emphasized that once it is, the Senate will proceed with their standard process of advise and consent.
Texas Sen. John Cornyn is adamant about reviewing the findings from the House Ethics Committee’s investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Gaetz, although he remains open to supporting him upon thorough consideration. He stated, “I intend to play my part as a member of the Judiciary Committee.”
Conversely, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham and North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis adopted a less forceful stance on the report, with Tillis asserting it’s “up to” the Ethics Committee and Graham indicating uncertainty about the rules.
Sen. Josh Hawley indicated a presumption in favor of supporting Trump’s nominees, expressing that any serious issues would be thoroughly scrutinized during the confirmation process. Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville aligned himself with Gaetz, citing a long-standing friendship, while Indiana Sen. Mike Braun acknowledged that Gaetz’s troubling history might complicate his confirmation.
The House Ethics Committee continues to maintain confidentiality regarding its pending report. Recently, Chairman Michael Guest confirmed, “What happens in Ethics is confidential,” following Gaetz’s resignation shortly before the committee’s vote on the report, effectively halting the investigation.
As the Senate braces for the formal nomination, it remains to be seen how these complexities will unfold in the confirmation process.
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