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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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
There is substantial upheaval surrounding this appointment. According to reports from Bloomberg Law<\/a><\/b>, a former official from the Department of Justice described Trump\u2019s choice as \u201cputrid,\u201d highlighting the deeply negative perceptions surrounding Gaetz’s readiness for such a critical role.<\/p>\n \u201cThis choice is putrid,\u201d remarked a former senior DOJ official who requested anonymity to discuss the reactions candidly. \u201cI can\u2019t imagine anybody with integrity would want to work for this guy as attorney general. Period. Full stop.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n 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\u2019s nomination, calling it \u201csurprising, to say the least.\u201d This reflects a sentiment that many in the legal community share, pointing to a broader unease about the implications of Gaetz’s potential leadership.<\/p>\n Ty Cobb, a former partner at Biglaw and White House attorney, did not hold back, characterizing the appointment as a \u201cfuck you to America\u201d 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 \u201cnot serious\u201d and \u201ccontemptuous.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMatt Gaetz is just simply unqualified\u2026he has no business being in this conversation.\u201d <\/p>\n Former Trump WH lawyer Ty Cobb on why he thinks Trump picking Gaetz for AG is a \u201cfk you\u201d to America pic.twitter.com\/DLTaHuTqFF<\/a><\/p>\n — Erin Burnett OutFront (@OutFrontCNN) November 14, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Even members of the GOP, fully aware that their party is firmly under Trump\u2019s influence, have expressed their discomfort with Gaetz’s selection. A reporter from Punchbowl News noted that many Republican senators were \u201cstunned\u2014not in a good way\u201d 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 \u201cno good comment,\u201d further reflecting the bewilderment shared by his colleagues.<\/p>\n When news of Gaetz\u2019s appointment reached Alaska\u2019s Senator Lisa Murkowski, her immediate response was a simple \u201cWow.\u201d When pressed for more, she reiterated, \u201cI just said, \u2018Wow.\u2019\u201d She expressed her belief that Gaetz does not represent a \u201cserious\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Rep. John Duarte (R-Calif.) weighed in, labeling Gaetz as \u201ca compromised AG\u201d and suggesting that \u201cthere are better choices\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) expressed incredulity at the announcement, exclaiming, \u201cAre you shittin\u2019 me?\u201d This reaction captures the disbelief that many within the party feel regarding Gaetz\u2019s suitability for such a high-profile position.<\/p>\n 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 \u201ca reckless pick\u201d with \u201ca zero percent shot\u201d at confirmation, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead.<\/p>\n Off the record, many Republicans have been speculating, often unflatteringly, about Trump\u2019s choice. One House Republican, who requested anonymity for candid discussion, theorized, \u201cSometimes 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.\u201d<\/p>\n This theory is gaining traction, with the conservative Washington Examiner<\/em> labeling Gaetz as a \u201csacrificial lamb,\u201d suggesting that this appointment may be more about political maneuvering than genuine belief in Gaetz’s qualifications.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Former National Security Advisor John Bolton went as far as to declare Gaetz\u2019s nomination \u201cthe worst\u201d Cabinet choice \u201cin American history.\u201d This statement underscores the gravity of the situation and the widespread consensus that this pick is deeply problematic.<\/p>\n David Laufman, who previously served as chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section at the DOJ\u2019s National Security Division, shared his visceral reaction, calling the nomination \u201ca vomit in your mouth moment.\u201d He cautioned that such a decision would transform the DOJ into \u201ca petting zoo for the new president\u201d and severely damage morale within the department\u2014an evocative and troubling assessment.<\/p>\n Robert Weissman, co-president of the consumer advocacy organization Public Citizen, pointed out Gaetz’s glaring lack of qualifications, stating, \u201cUnder Gaetz, we\u2019d 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.\u201d This statement paints a grim picture of the potential consequences of Gaetz’s leadership.<\/p>\n NYU Law professor Stephen Gillers commented on Gaetz’s qualifications, stating, \u201cMeasured by experience, intellect, and temperament, Gaetz is singularly unqualified to lead the Justice Department.\u201d This sentiment echoes a broader consensus among legal experts who are deeply concerned about the ramifications of his potential appointment.<\/p>\n Even The Economist<\/em> referred to Matt Gaetz as \u201ca cartoonishly divisive Florida congressman, who is despised even by many in his own party,\u201d labeling his selection a \u201cbad omen\u201d due to his unwavering personal loyalty to Trump, which is perceived as being devoid of any ethical considerations.<\/p>\n Elie Honig, a former assistant United States attorney, expressed his grave concerns, describing the nomination as \u201ccrazy\u201d and \u201cdangerous.\u201d He warned that Gaetz\u2019s role would be to weaponize the position, stating, \u201cI don\u2019t buy into these doomsday scenarios. But as someone who spent a career at the Justice Department, this is of grave concern to me.\u201d Honig further emphasized Gaetz\u2019s lack of relevant experience, noting, \u201c[Gaetz] has never worked a day in his life as a prosecutor.\u201d He underscored that while some AGs have not been prosecutors, they have held serious positions within the Justice Department, which Gaetz lacks entirely.<\/p>\n These are merely initial reactions to Gaetz\u2019s potential role as Attorney General. Should he actually assume the position, the standard for mocking Matt Gaetz will undoubtedly escalate significantly.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> or Mastodon @Kathryn1@mastodon.social.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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