Nov 14, V7N- Former President Donald Trump announced his pick for attorney general on Wednesday, naming controversial Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz. The decision, seen as a move to solidify Trump’s pledge to overhaul the Justice Department, has drawn sharp reactions across the political spectrum.  
 
In a statement posted on social media, Trump emphasized the importance of ending the “partisan weaponization” of the justice system, saying, “Matt will end Weaponized Government... and restore Americans' badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department.”  
 
Gaetz, a U.S. representative since 2017, has been a vocal defender of Trump but remains a contentious figure due to past investigations into sex trafficking allegations, which concluded without charges, and an ongoing House ethics probe. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.  
 
The nomination comes as Trump doubles down on his calls for retribution against political adversaries, whom he accuses of targeting him with politically motivated prosecutions. Democrats, however, have expressed concern that Gaetz could politicize the Justice Department, using it to initiate partisan investigations and prosecutions.  
 
As attorney general, Gaetz would oversee all Justice Department operations, despite his own legal controversies. The House ethics investigation into Gaetz stems from a broader case involving his associate, Joel Greenberg, a former Florida tax collector convicted of sex trafficking and other crimes in 2022.  
 
In response to the ethics probe, Gaetz has accused congressional investigators of conducting a “political payback exercise.”  
 
The announcement has cast doubt on Gaetz’s ability to secure Senate confirmation. Several Republican senators have voiced skepticism, with Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski dismissing him as a serious candidate and Maine’s Susan Collins expressing shock.  
 
“The advice and consent process is critical, and there will certainly be many questions raised at his hearing,” Collins said.  
 
Gaetz will face intense scrutiny during Senate confirmation hearings, as Republicans hold a slim majority and he can only afford to lose three GOP votes.  
 
News of Gaetz’s nomination reportedly surprised House Republicans, with CNN reporting “an audible gasp” during a closed-door meeting when the announcement broke.  
 
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst acknowledged the challenges ahead, remarking that Gaetz would have “his work cut out for him.”  
 
Gaetz’s nomination is likely to face significant opposition and will test Trump’s influence within the Republican Party as the Senate weighs his controversial pick.  
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