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Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026
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Donald Trump Nominates Matt Gaetz for Attorney General Position
Controversial Lawmaker Pick Sparks Political Debate and Concerns
On Wednesday, Donald Trump announced Congressman Matt Gaetz as his choice for attorney general, highlighting Gaetz as a staunch supporter who could facilitate the president-elect's plans for addressing perceived political grievances.
Trump emphasized the importance of ending the partisan use of the justice system and expressed confidence in Gaetz's ability to restore trust in the Justice Department.
Gaetz, a Republican from Florida and a U.S. congressman since 2017, is a polarizing figure and one of Trump's more contentious cabinet nominations following his recent victory against Democrat Kamala Harris.
Democrats worry that Gaetz might use the Justice Department to conduct politically motivated prosecutions, the very type Trump has accused his adversaries of orchestrating against him.
As attorney general, Gaetz would oversee the department, which has conducted investigations involving him on allegations of sex trafficking and obstruction of justice.
Gaetz, who denies the charges, learned last year that no charges would be filed, though a House ethics investigation remains ongoing.
The initial investigation into Gaetz was linked to his associate Joel Greenberg, a former tax collector sentenced to 11 years for sex trafficking and other offenses.
Gaetz, who has labeled the congressional inquiry into his activities as a 'political payback exercise,' ceased cooperation with the investigators, citing privacy concerns.
The nomination has sparked skepticism among both Republican and Democratic senators regarding Gaetz's chances of being confirmed, which requires Senate approval.
There is concern that Gaetz may not garner sufficient support if even a few Republicans side against him.
Reports indicate that House Republicans were taken aback by the nomination, as evidenced by an 'audible gasp' during a closed-door meeting upon its announcement.
Republican senators have voiced mixed reactions, with Iowa's Joni Ernst acknowledging the challenges Gaetz would face, and Alaska's Lisa Murkowski doubting his viability as a candidate.
Maine Senator Susan Collins expressed shock and underscored the importance of the confirmation process, anticipating rigorous scrutiny during the hearings.
Trump emphasized the importance of ending the partisan use of the justice system and expressed confidence in Gaetz's ability to restore trust in the Justice Department.
Gaetz, a Republican from Florida and a U.S. congressman since 2017, is a polarizing figure and one of Trump's more contentious cabinet nominations following his recent victory against Democrat Kamala Harris.
Democrats worry that Gaetz might use the Justice Department to conduct politically motivated prosecutions, the very type Trump has accused his adversaries of orchestrating against him.
As attorney general, Gaetz would oversee the department, which has conducted investigations involving him on allegations of sex trafficking and obstruction of justice.
Gaetz, who denies the charges, learned last year that no charges would be filed, though a House ethics investigation remains ongoing.
The initial investigation into Gaetz was linked to his associate Joel Greenberg, a former tax collector sentenced to 11 years for sex trafficking and other offenses.
Gaetz, who has labeled the congressional inquiry into his activities as a 'political payback exercise,' ceased cooperation with the investigators, citing privacy concerns.
The nomination has sparked skepticism among both Republican and Democratic senators regarding Gaetz's chances of being confirmed, which requires Senate approval.
There is concern that Gaetz may not garner sufficient support if even a few Republicans side against him.
Reports indicate that House Republicans were taken aback by the nomination, as evidenced by an 'audible gasp' during a closed-door meeting upon its announcement.
Republican senators have voiced mixed reactions, with Iowa's Joni Ernst acknowledging the challenges Gaetz would face, and Alaska's Lisa Murkowski doubting his viability as a candidate.
Maine Senator Susan Collins expressed shock and underscored the importance of the confirmation process, anticipating rigorous scrutiny during the hearings.
