President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz to serve as the Attorney General.
“It is my Great Honor to announce that Congressman Matt Gaetz, of Florida, is hereby nominated to be The Attorney General of the United States. Matt is a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney, trained at the William & Mary College of Law, who has distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice,” Trump said on Truth Social.
“Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System. Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans’ badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department. On the House Judiciary Committee, which performs oversight of DOJ, Matt played a key role in defeating the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, and exposing alarming and systemic Government Corruption and Weaponization. He is a Champion for the Constitution and the Rule of Law,” Trump concluded.
Rep. Gaetz responded on X, “It will be an honor to serve as President Trump’s Attorney General!”
Matt Gaetz: A Look at the Rise of a Controversial Conservative Firebrand
Matt Gaetz, the outspoken Republican Congressman from Florida, has built a career defined by his fierce conservative views, combative style, and loyalty to the “America First” movement championed by former President Donald Trump. Since first being elected to Congress in 2016, Gaetz has become one of the most prominent voices in the GOP, earning both fervent supporters and vocal critics.
Early Political Career and Rise to Congress
Matt Gaetz was born in Hollywood, Florida, in 1982, the son of prominent Florida politician Don Gaetz. Politics seemed almost inevitable for Gaetz, who grew up surrounded by the state’s political elite. He earned his undergraduate degree from Florida State University and later graduated from the William & Mary Law School.
Gaetz’s political career began in the Florida House of Representatives, where he was elected in 2010. During his time in the state legislature, Gaetz made a name for himself as a staunch conservative, focusing on issues like gun rights, tax reform, and criminal justice. He spearheaded the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law and was a vocal opponent of expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
READ: Trump Picks Tulsi Gabbard As Director Of National Intelligence
Congress and the Trump Era
In 2016, Gaetz ran for Florida’s 1st Congressional District, a deep-red stronghold in the Panhandle. He easily won his seat, aligning himself closely with Donald Trump’s populist movement from the start. Gaetz quickly became a fixture on cable news, known for his combative interviews and unwavering defense of the Trump administration.
As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, Gaetz played a central role in the impeachment proceedings against Trump in 2019 and 2021. He gained national attention for his fiery rhetoric and sharp critiques of Democratic leadership. His loyalty to Trump and his willingness to embrace the culture wars made him a hero to the Republican base, but also a polarizing figure in national politics.
Legislative Record and Controversies
Gaetz’s legislative priorities have focused on cutting government spending, opposing COVID-19 mandates, and promoting conservative values on issues like abortion and Second Amendment rights. He has pushed for stricter immigration laws, supported efforts to audit the Federal Reserve, and consistently voted against government spending bills he deemed excessive.
In 2023, Gaetz led a high-profile effort to oust then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, marking a significant turning point in his congressional career. Gaetz argued that McCarthy had failed to uphold conservative principles, and his push for new House leadership underscored his willingness to challenge the Republican establishment.
As a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus, Gaetz has positioned himself as a leader of the GOP’s far-right faction. His influence within the party has grown, and there has been speculation about potential future roles, including a run for higher office or a cabinet position in a Republican administration.
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