BREAKING: Donald Trump announces Matt Gaetz will be his Attorney General

[Ghost Bear]

Does Trump ever listen???   Sorry ...  he needs to start to listen to people once in awhile.

Right, because listening to the GOP-E worked so well for him in his first term.   

[Bigun]

@Bigun I had thought that Ken Paxton might get the nod.

Me too @GrouchoTex

[mystery-ak]

Matt Gaetz becomes Trump’s sacrificial lamb
By
Tiana Lowe Doescher
November 13, 2024 4:39 pm
.

President-elect Donald Trump‘s early Cabinet appointments have ranged from the obvious (brilliant House Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) as ambassador to the United Nations) to the inspired (Fox News’s Pete Hegseth as defense secretary) to the aggravating (Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD) as homeland security secretary). But the former and future president’s announcement that he is nominating Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) as attorney general is Trump’s first pick that obviously, and intentionally, is dead on arrival.

Although Trump will reenter the White House with Republican control of both chambers of Congress, the Senate’s four-seat margin of control, with Vice President-elect J.D. Vance comprising the swing vote for Trump, includes at least two vulnerable Republicans up for dicey reelections in 2026: Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) of the ultra-liberal Maine and Thom Tillis (R-NC) of the swing state of North Carolina. The margin also includes Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), who both brand themselves as more heterodox or independent Republicans.

Perhaps Trump just wants Gaetz as the Justice Department’s top dog, but just as likely are the odds that he is intentionally making the Florida firebrand his fall guy. As a sacrificial lamb, Gaetz’s nomination may be very well intended to fail to give the centrist wing of the party cover when political opponents try to accuse them of rubber-stamping all of Trump’s appointments.

more
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/3229181/matt-gaetz-trump-sacrificial-lamb/

[bilo]

With Thune/McConnel will there even be any recess opportunities?

Thune told Trump they would go into recess if they can't get his nominees through quickly.

Gaetz is a brilliant pick. He was persecuted by the DOJ with phony charges from a guy who was blackmailing him and his father for millions. All charges were later dropped. He knows what it's like to have the FBI & DOJ after you and he never backed down.

Lets remember the DOJ is a part of the executive branch and answers to the POTUS. JFK picked his brother, Reagan picked his personal attorney. A POTUS should have an AG he wants.

Gaetz understands what persecution by the deep state looks like.

[rustynail]

Thanks.

[bigheadfred]

Gaetz has resigned from Congress.

[massadvj]

I'll say this, Trump isn't playing around this time. He's going right for the throat!

My thoughts exactly. I would love to be a fly on the wall of the Justice Department right now. Gaetz as AG has got to be their worst nightmare.

[mystery-ak]

OMG..it just gets worse...he could have waited until he was approved...

Matt Gaetz resigns from Congress over Trump nod to be attorney general, Johnson says
'I think out of deference to us, he issued his resignation letter effective immediately,' Johnson said
By Elizabeth Elkind Fox News
Published November 13, 2024 7:15pm EST

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., resigned from the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., announced.

Gaetz gave House GOP leaders his resignation notice on the same day President-elect Trump tapped him to be his Attorney General.

"I think out of deference to us, he issued his resignation letter effective immediately," Johnson said. "That caught us by surprise a little bit. But I asked him what the reasoning was, and he said, well, you can't have too many absences."

The speaker pointed out that Florida state law gave the governor "about an eight-week period" to fill a House vacancy and that by doing so, "we may be able to fill that seat as early as Jan. 3."

Johnson said he's already in contact with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on the matter.

This is a breaking story and will be updated…


https://www.foxnews.com/politics/matt-gaetz-resigns-from-congress-over-trump-nod-attorney-general-johnson-says

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

OMG..it just gets worse...he could have waited until he was approved...

Matt Gaetz resigns from Congress over Trump nod to be attorney general, Johnson says
'I think out of deference to us, he issued his resignation letter effective immediately,' Johnson said
By Elizabeth Elkind Fox News
Published November 13, 2024 7:15pm EST

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., resigned from the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., announced.

Gaetz gave House GOP leaders his resignation notice on the same day President-elect Trump tapped him to be his Attorney General.

"I think out of deference to us, he issued his resignation letter effective immediately," Johnson said. "That caught us by surprise a little bit. But I asked him what the reasoning was, and he said, well, you can't have too many absences."

The speaker pointed out that Florida state law gave the governor "about an eight-week period" to fill a House vacancy and that by doing so, "we may be able to fill that seat as early as Jan. 3."

Johnson said he's already in contact with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on the matter.

This is a breaking story and will be updated…


https://www.foxnews.com/politics/matt-gaetz-resigns-from-congress-over-trump-nod-attorney-general-johnson-says

He must have wanted out anyway.

[libertybele]

OMG..it just gets worse...he could have waited until he was approved...

Matt Gaetz resigns from Congress over Trump nod to be attorney general, Johnson says
'I think out of deference to us, he issued his resignation letter effective immediately,' Johnson said
By Elizabeth Elkind Fox News
Published November 13, 2024 7:15pm EST

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., resigned from the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., announced.

Gaetz gave House GOP leaders his resignation notice on the same day President-elect Trump tapped him to be his Attorney General.

"I think out of deference to us, he issued his resignation letter effective immediately," Johnson said. "That caught us by surprise a little bit. But I asked him what the reasoning was, and he said, well, you can't have too many absences."

The speaker pointed out that Florida state law gave the governor "about an eight-week period" to fill a House vacancy and that by doing so, "we may be able to fill that seat as early as Jan. 3."

Johnson said he's already in contact with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on the matter.

This is a breaking story and will be updated…


https://www.foxnews.com/politics/matt-gaetz-resigns-from-congress-over-trump-nod-attorney-general-johnson-says

Agreed.  He could have waited, but that gives DeSantis a golden opportunity. 

[The_Reader_David]

If the Senate won't confirm a recess appointment will work.

Trump has a mandate we haven't seen in decades. He won an electoral landslide and the popular vote. Maga voters have a long memory and Senators know it.

But a recess appointment (1) would have to wait until the Senate is in recess, leaving the post vacant in the meantime and (2) would only last until the next Senate session at which time the usual nomination and confirmation process would have to take place for him to continue in the post.

[mystery-ak]

Agreed.  He could have waited, but that gives DeSantis a golden opportunity.

Can DeSantis replace Gaetz or does it require a special election?

I know DeSantis can replace Rubio's seat.

[Bigun]

My thoughts exactly. I would love to be a fly on the wall of the Justice Department right now. Gaetz as AG has got to be their worst nightmare.

I'll bet personnel is overwhealmed with retirement papers about now.

[libertybele]

Can DeSantis replace Gaetz or does it require a special election?

I know DeSantis can replace Rubio's seat.

It takes a special election, but IMHO DeSantis could encourage who he think would make a good replacement.

[jafo2010]

libertybele...

With Thune as majority leader and Gaetz as AG -- they are going to tank Trump's agenda.

At a minimum!  Gaetz and Noem are both poor choices.  I had hoped he would pick Ken Paxton, current AG of Texas.  Perhaps he was not available, but Paxton is the most impressive AG in the USA right now, IMHO.

Gaetz will not get any respect at DOJ.  NONE!!!  They will undermine him every step of the way.

[Sighlass]

Can Trump fire him at any time, might just be a ploy to get rid of Matt... Hire and Fire... out of Congress and otherwise. Not like Trump actually keeps anyone anyways... about a year and nobody can stand working for Trump (and vice-versa).

[massadvj]

I'll bet personnel is overwhealmed with retirement papers about now.

This is Washington. I think they will try to hang on and circumvent Gaetz the way they did Barr. I expect Gaetz will be a wrecking ball, but the establishment bureaucrats will try to tie him up with "process." There will be blood.

They know him as a firebrand, but he has not demonstrated he can be effective at anything. I can't think of a single battle Gaetz has won in his career, other than his election bids. This will be a major test of his leadership skills.

I like the pick for no other reason than it is a giant middle finger to the deep state lawfare bureaucrats. I can't think of a better pick in that regard.

[corbe]

   Paxton remembered this and intelligently dodged the bullet.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVHJYuLRbYY

[mountaineer]

At a minimum!  Gaetz and Noem are both poor choices.  I had hoped he would pick Ken Paxton, current AG of Texas.  Perhaps he was not available, but Paxton is the most impressive AG in the USA right now, IMHO.

Gaetz will not get any respect at DOJ.  NONE!!!  They will undermine him every step of the way.

Do we know whether Paxton was asked? Maybe he respectfully declined.

[corbe]

This is Washington. I think they will try to hang on and circumvent Gaetz the way they did Barr. I expect Gaetz will be a wrecking ball, but the establishment bureaucrats will try to tie him up with "process." There will be blood.

They know him as a firebrand, but he has not demonstrated he can be effective at anything. I can't think of a single battle Gaetz has won in his career, other than his election bids. This will be a major test of his leadership skills.

I like the pick for no other reason than it is a giant middle finger to the deep state lawfare bureaucrats. I can't think of a better pick in that regard.

   He wouldn't have won this one either.  @massadvj

[cato potatoe]

At a minimum!  Gaetz and Noem are both poor choices.  I had hoped he would pick Ken Paxton, current AG of Texas.  Perhaps he was not available, but Paxton is the most impressive AG in the USA right now, IMHO.

His name may come back around. 

Gaetz lost his mind in the feud with the McCarthy, which spilled over into the convention where he interrupted a live interview.  He also had some bad plastic surgery done recently.  Guy has issues, and I hope this means he is going away.

[DB]

Now that Gaetz had quit congress, Trump can come out and say "just kidding"...

[mystery-ak]

Now that Gaetz had quit congress, Trump can come out and say "just kidding"...

LOL....I like that

[corbe]

   There should be a place for him, MTG, Bannon, Stone, Manafort, Flynn and Guliani in his Administration, as they've all taken a bullet for him. 
   Just not Cabinet level.

[240B]

The people who are scared to death are Merchan (especially Merchan, and his daughter), James, Willis, and even Garland himself. They are all neck deep in illegalities and completely inappropriate behavior.

But the smarmy "Lord on High" Merchan has to be shitting himself and losing sleep. The way he mistreated Trump was very, very, personal. It is time for him to get a slap-down up to disbarment.

[IsailedawayfromFR]

My impression:  a fierce fighter and will stick to his principles, but inexperienced in the intricate world of legal maneuvering?

There are lawyers practicing for decades who might treat Matt Gaetz to the reality of how to practice law.  And a lot of these guys will be the judges he needs to enforce the law.

And his experience in heading a department comprising 115,000 employees and dozens of organizations? https://www.justice.gov/agencies/organizational-chart-text-version

I would have hoped to have a more seasoned guy but maybe he is smart enough to surround himself with those types that support Trump's agenda.

I rate this the #1 person to eliminate the wanton destruction of our country by the DOJ and FBI, and the mechanism we will use to prosecute those who have openly flaunted the law in all of the government and outside it, so it is damn important.

I ceratinly hope so as otherwise we will be very disappointed once again.

[corbe]

    It seems to me that this Confirmation (Gaetz) will be the first test of Thune as Majority Leader.  Can he get Murkowski and Collins on board, will he actually strip them of Committees like the turtle wouldn't do? 

[catfish1957]

What a day.... 

One reminder to all.....   This is the same Gaetz that took McCarthy down without a "Plan B". What ensued was a long drawn out embarrassment to find a replacement. He made the entire GOP enmasse, look like idiots.

While I hope and commend his efforts to torch the deep state, one has to wonder about his overall abilities as a strategic thinker.  We need more of a thinking like a founding father, instead we might be getting  a virtual Guy Fawkes.

DJT was assuredly to be a disruptor, but some of these picks, like others have alluded are more like exercises in Trolling,

[corbe]

   It kinda reminds me of when Freshman Senator Cruz collaborated with the House Freedom Caucus, in its infancy, to take down John Boehner.  They didn't have a back up plan either.

[jafo2010]

Gaetz is a bad choice, and I doubt it was done with some subterfuge like getting rid of him.  Gaetz is like sending a five year old boy to play in the major leagues.  He has a law degree.  BIG F***ING DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He came from law school and became a politician.  Even a five year old boy in major leagues baseball will be better versed to play ball with the majors than Gaetz will be with the sharks he will have working for him.  DUMB DECISION BY TRUMP.  And this will cost Trump dearly, for the DOJ needs to be purged more than any other agency!

How many tens of millions of dollars are squandered each year with these pukes bringing lawsuits to fight what the states want to do?  Too many frivolous lawsuits at the taxpayer expense.

[cato potatoe]

   There should be a place for him ….
   Just not Cabinet level.

How about Ambassador to Thailand

[rustynail]

How about Ambassador to Thailand

That's a cold shot.

[Lando Lincoln]

If Gaetz fails confirmation, do you think RDS would appoint him to fill Rubio’s seat?

[mountaineer]

JD Vance
@JDVance
The main issue with Matt Gaetz is that he used his office to prosecute his political opponents and authorized federal agents to harass parents who were peacefully protesting at school board meetings.

Oh wait, that's actually Merrick Garland, the current attorney general.
7:51 PM · Nov 13, 2024

[Wingnut]

Gaetz is a bad choice, and I doubt it was done with some subterfuge like getting rid of him.  Gaetz is like s

Has there been a Trump pick you haven't shit on?

[bilo]

JD Vance
@JDVance
The main issue with Matt Gaetz is that he used his office to prosecute his political opponents and authorized federal agents to harass parents who were peacefully protesting at school board meetings.

Oh wait, that's actually Merrick Garland, the current attorney general.
7:51 PM · Nov 13, 2024

I love it!

All the negativity about Gaetz ignores what the old practice of placing a DC insider has gotten us. Also, the argument about attorneys with more court room experience running circles around him doesn't take into account that the AG doesn't argue cases in the courtroom. The AG runs the dept.

Gaetz is perfect for the job that needs to be done. He will find out who has been doing what and take the appropriate action. Also, he will have Trump's back.

[catfish1957]

Has there been a Trump pick you haven't shit on?

That's a good point.  He even dissed the Musk/Vivek collaboration.  That was a Home Run. 

[mystery-ak]

Senate Republican vows Gaetz ‘will never get confirmed’ as uniparty circles the wagons
November 14, 2024 | Chris Donaldson

At least one Senate Republican has vowed that Matt Gaetz will never be confirmed as attorney general after President-elect Donald J. Trump selected him to helm the Justice Department.

“He will never get confirmed,” the unnamed senator who was granted anonymity told Fox News Digital. “Ain’t gonna happen,” said a Senate Republican source, setting up an early battle between the incoming president and a cadre of members of his own party who are intent on sabotaging him.

Another GOP senator of note, Susan Collins of Maine, also went on record as being opposed to the Florida “firebrand” whose choice as the nation’s top cop rocked Washington, D.C. on Wednesday afternoon.

“I was shocked at the nomination,” Collins told a reporter for the online outlet Punchbowl News. “This is why the Senate’s advise and consent process is so important. I’m sure that there will be many, many questions raised at Mr Gaetz’s hearing.”

more
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2024/11/14/senate-republican-vows-gaetz-will-never-get-confirmed-as-uniparty-circles-the-wagons-1502640/

[catfish1957]

Want another reason they need to rush to PA to save McCormick's win?  Him being there might be the difference in a 50-50 and 49-51 vote on the likes of Gaetz and Gabbard. 

[Lando Lincoln]

Senate Republican vows Gaetz ‘will never get confirmed’ as uniparty circles the wagons
November 14, 2024 | Chris Donaldson

At least one Senate Republican has vowed that Matt Gaetz will never be confirmed as attorney general after President-elect Donald J. Trump selected him to helm the Justice Department.

“He will never get confirmed,” the unnamed senator who was granted anonymity told Fox News Digital. “Ain’t gonna happen,” said a Senate Republican source, setting up an early battle between the incoming president and a cadre of members of his own party who are intent on sabotaging him.

Another GOP senator of note, Susan Collins of Maine, also went on record as being opposed to the Florida “firebrand” whose choice as the nation’s top cop rocked Washington, D.C. on Wednesday afternoon.

“I was shocked at the nomination,” Collins told a reporter for the online outlet Punchbowl News. “This is why the Senate’s advise and consent process is so important. I’m sure that there will be many, many questions raised at Mr Gaetz’s hearing.”

more
https://www.bizpacreview.com/2024/11/14/senate-republican-vows-gaetz-will-never-get-confirmed-as-uniparty-circles-the-wagons-1502640/

A backstop could be that Gaetz gets appointed to Rubio’s seat in that august body. Would DeSantis do it?

[mystery-ak]

Kevin McCarthy predicts ‘Gaetz won’t get confirmed’ by Senate
By
Jack Birle
November 14, 2024 9:11 am
.

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy does not believe outgoing Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) will be confirmed as attorney general by the Senate after President-elect Donald Trump selected him as his nominee on Wednesday.

Some of Trump’s picks for his Cabinet, including Gaetz for attorney general and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, have garnered strong reactions on Capitol Hill and in the wider political world. McCarthy, whose speakership was ended by a successful motion to vacate filed by Gaetz in October 2023, told Bloomberg he believes Trump’s nominees are good, except for Gaetz.

“I think the choices are very good, except one. Gaetz won’t get confirmed, everybody knows that,” McCarthy said.

When pressed on why he thinks Trump picked Gaetz for his attorney general nominee, McCarthy said it was a “good deflection” but did not elaborate further.

more
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/house/3229835/kevin-mccarthy-predicts-gaetz-will-not-get-confirmed-senate/

[dfwgator]

    It seems to me that this Confirmation (Gaetz) will be the first test of Thune as Majority Leader.  Can he get Murkowski and Collins on board, will he actually strip them of Committees like the turtle wouldn't do?

Trump should ask Murkowski how bad does she want to drill for oil in Alaska.

[cato potatoe]

A backstop could be that Gaetz gets appointed to Rubio’s seat in that august body. Would DeSantis do it?

It would make for a powerful threat.  However, Lara Trump also has her eyes on the seat, along with every congressman, executive officer, and political operative in the state ... including DeSantis possibly.  He probably should just appoint a pure "temp" and let the voters decide in what is sure to be a ridiculous primary. 

[dfwgator]

I think Trump should have chosen RFK Jr for AG just to see their heads explode.

[Hoodat]

It would make for a powerful threat.  However, Lara Trump also has her eyes on the seat, along with every congressman, executive officer, and political operative in the state ... including DeSantis possibly.  He probably should just appoint a pure "temp" and let the voters decide in what is sure to be a ridiculous primary.

The ONLY person to be considered for that Senate seat is Byron Donalds.

[mystery-ak]

https://twitter.com/bensiegel/status/1857086454637220045

[libertybele]

The ONLY person to be considered for that Senate seat is Byron Daniels.

Are you referring to Byron Donalds who is in the House??? I hope not, he is very much needed in the House. He has done a fantastic job and is a strong conservative.

[libertybele]

https://twitter.com/bensiegel/status/1857086454637220045

Cornyn already creating problems.

[DCPatriot]

Cornyn already creating problems.

Gaetz was investigated for 2 years with NO CHARGES.  The Biden DOJ then took more than 5 months to suddenly close the case...again with NO CHARGES.

Damned right we want a Congressional investigation! 

[Hoodat]

Are you referring to Byron Donalds who is in the House??? I hope not, he is very much needed in the House. He has done a fantastic job and is a strong conservative.

&%!$# autoincorrect.  Yes, Donalds.   He's needed in the Senate even more.