The announcement of President-elect Donald Trump selecting Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz for the role of Attorney General has sent shockwaves through political circles. It’s not an exaggeration to say that reactions have ranged from disbelief to outright horror, particularly among those who had hoped for a more conventional candidate. Surprisingly, the left hasn’t voiced as much vitriol as anticipated, but the backlash is still significant, and many are questioning the wisdom of this controversial choice.
There is substantial upheaval surrounding this appointment. According to reports from Bloomberg Law, a former official from the Department of Justice described Trump’s choice as “putrid,” highlighting the deeply negative perceptions surrounding Gaetz’s readiness for such a critical role.
“This choice is putrid,” remarked a former senior DOJ official who requested anonymity to discuss the reactions candidly. “I can’t imagine anybody with integrity would want to work for this guy as attorney general. Period. Full stop.”
Richard Donoghue, a former acting deputy attorney general and now a partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, offered what may be the most diplomatic response to Gaetz’s nomination, calling it “surprising, to say the least.” This reflects a sentiment that many in the legal community share, pointing to a broader unease about the implications of Gaetz’s potential leadership.
Ty Cobb, a former partner at Biglaw and White House attorney, did not hold back, characterizing the appointment as a “fuck you to America” during a CNN interview. Cobb elaborated on his disdain, critiquing Gaetz’s qualifications on multiple fronts: academically, professionally, ethically, morally, and experientially. He argued that Gaetz is unfit for serious consideration in this critical role and labeled the selection as “not serious” and “contemptuous.”
“Matt Gaetz is just simply unqualified…he has no business being in this conversation.”
Former Trump WH lawyer Ty Cobb on why he thinks Trump picking Gaetz for AG is a “fk you” to America pic.twitter.com/DLTaHuTqFF
— Erin Burnett OutFront (@OutFrontCNN) November 14, 2024
Even members of the GOP, fully aware that their party is firmly under Trump’s influence, have expressed their discomfort with Gaetz’s selection. A reporter from Punchbowl News noted that many Republican senators were “stunned—not in a good way” upon hearing the announcement. Similarly, a Politico reporter observed one House Republican laughing so hard that he was wiping away tears, underscoring the absurdity many feel about the situation. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) stated he had “no good comment,” further reflecting the bewilderment shared by his colleagues.
When news of Gaetz’s appointment reached Alaska’s Senator Lisa Murkowski, her immediate response was a simple “Wow.” When pressed for more, she reiterated, “I just said, ‘Wow.’” She expressed her belief that Gaetz does not represent a “serious” choice for the position, emphasizing the need for a qualified Attorney General. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) has already indicated her lack of support for the pick, although it remains uncertain if her stance will change as the situation develops.
Rep. John Duarte (R-Calif.) weighed in, labeling Gaetz as “a compromised AG” and suggesting that “there are better choices” available. This comment cleverly critiques Gaetz while still maintaining a facade of loyalty to the MAGA movement, a balancing act that is increasingly challenging for Republicans who are navigating these turbulent waters.
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) expressed incredulity at the announcement, exclaiming, “Are you shittin’ me?” This reaction captures the disbelief that many within the party feel regarding Gaetz’s suitability for such a high-profile position.
Humor and sarcasm have become prevalent responses as Republicans attempt to process the news of Gaetz’s nomination. Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) quipped that Gaetz has a better chance of having dinner with the late Queen Elizabeth II than of being confirmed by the Senate, emphasizing the widespread skepticism about Gaetz’s prospects. Miller further described the selection as “a reckless pick” with “a zero percent shot” at confirmation, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead.
Off the record, many Republicans have been speculating, often unflatteringly, about Trump’s choice. One House Republican, who requested anonymity for candid discussion, theorized, “Sometimes a president appoints to reward a person. All the while, knowing that it will not go through. When it does not go through, they can appoint the back-up and they have cover for doing so.”
This theory is gaining traction, with the conservative Washington Examiner labeling Gaetz as a “sacrificial lamb,” suggesting that this appointment may be more about political maneuvering than genuine belief in Gaetz’s qualifications.
Former National Security Advisor John Bolton went as far as to declare Gaetz’s nomination “the worst” Cabinet choice “in American history.” This statement underscores the gravity of the situation and the widespread consensus that this pick is deeply problematic.
David Laufman, who previously served as chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section at the DOJ’s National Security Division, shared his visceral reaction, calling the nomination “a vomit in your mouth moment.” He cautioned that such a decision would transform the DOJ into “a petting zoo for the new president” and severely damage morale within the department—an evocative and troubling assessment.
Robert Weissman, co-president of the consumer advocacy organization Public Citizen, pointed out Gaetz’s glaring lack of qualifications, stating, “Under Gaetz, we’d have every reason to expect an America where corporate criminals walk free, but immigrants and people of color are harassed or rounded up with minimal pretext.” This statement paints a grim picture of the potential consequences of Gaetz’s leadership.
NYU Law professor Stephen Gillers commented on Gaetz’s qualifications, stating, “Measured by experience, intellect, and temperament, Gaetz is singularly unqualified to lead the Justice Department.” This sentiment echoes a broader consensus among legal experts who are deeply concerned about the ramifications of his potential appointment.
Even The Economist referred to Matt Gaetz as “a cartoonishly divisive Florida congressman, who is despised even by many in his own party,” labeling his selection a “bad omen” due to his unwavering personal loyalty to Trump, which is perceived as being devoid of any ethical considerations.
Elie Honig, a former assistant United States attorney, expressed his grave concerns, describing the nomination as “crazy” and “dangerous.” He warned that Gaetz’s role would be to weaponize the position, stating, “I don’t buy into these doomsday scenarios. But as someone who spent a career at the Justice Department, this is of grave concern to me.” Honig further emphasized Gaetz’s lack of relevant experience, noting, “[Gaetz] has never worked a day in his life as a prosecutor.” He underscored that while some AGs have not been prosecutors, they have held serious positions within the Justice Department, which Gaetz lacks entirely.
These are merely initial reactions to Gaetz’s potential role as Attorney General. Should he actually assume the position, the standard for mocking Matt Gaetz will undoubtedly escalate significantly.
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @Kathryn1@mastodon.social.
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