Several Republican senators have expressed lukewarm response to President-elect Trump’s choice of Matt Gaetz to be U.S. attorney general, casting doubt on the former Florida congressman’s chances of Senate confirmation.
Wednesday’s unexpected announcement, along with Gaetz’s swift resignation from Congress, also drew attention to the House Ethics Committee’s investigation into allegations that Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct, illegal drug use and other misconduct.
Texas Sen. John Cornyn is the Republican on the judiciary panel that will decide whether to advance Gaetz’s nomination to the full Senate. See Ethics Report.
“I don’t think there should be any restrictions on the Senate Judiciary Committee’s investigation, including the House Ethics Committee’s investigation,” Cornyn told reporters on Capitol Hill.
He added that while “it’s too early to count the votes,” there were “many questions.”
Gates was previously involved in a federal investigation into whether he was involved in the sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl. The investigation, which ended last year without charges, was conducted by the Justice Department — the agency that Gaetz would lead if he was confirmed as attorney general.
Gaetz has denied all accusations against him. In September, he announced he would stop cooperating with the House panel, while sharing a letter in which he vehemently denied “engaging in sexual conduct with any individual under the age of 18.”
On Thursday, attorneys for the woman who claims she had sex with Gaetz when she was a minor said the ethics committee should release the report.
“Mr. Gaetz’s possible nomination as Attorney General is an unusual development in a truly dark series of events. We will support the House Ethics Committee’s immediate release of their report,” said John Hutchinson, Black Cook, Partner Kroon wrote on X.
“She is a high school student and there are witnesses,” the lawyer added.
Gates’ attorney did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
Calls for the commission’s report have taken on added urgency given the unusual set of events surrounding Trump’s announcement.
Trump’s selection of Gaetz and the congressman’s abrupt decision to resign from Congress came on the same day, just two days before the panel was set to vote to release sex and drug investigation reports. blackjack news Wednesday, citing sources.
Gates resigns Valid end Ethics Committee investigation because the panel’s reach is limited to House members.
Mississippi Republican Party Chairman Michael Guest told reporters Wednesday that if Gaetz resigned to seek the attorney general position, “then the Ethics Committee would lose jurisdiction at that point.”
A person familiar with the matter told NBC that the ethics committee is scheduled to meet behind closed doors on Thursday. It’s unclear whether the committee will discuss Gaetz or vote on the report at the secret meeting.
On Wednesday, several Senate Republicans expressed confusion and skepticism about Gaetz’s selection to lead the Justice Department.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she was “shocked” by the decision and expected “a lot of questions will be asked” if his nomination goes forward.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said she did not consider Gaetz “a serious nomination for attorney general.”
“I’m just counting the votes, and I probably think he has some work to do,” said Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, another member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“His work is done,” Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa said of Gaetz’s expected nomination.
But others appear ready to support Gates’ bid.
“As a general rule, regardless of party or personal feelings, I vote for confirmation because This is my constitutional role as a Senator.
“I will do the same for President Trump’s nominee,” Graham said in the statement, which was sent via an email with the subject line “Elections Have Consequences.”
“I don’t have a problem with that,” Tennessee Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty said Thursday on MSNBC’s “Andrea Mitchell Reports.” “I would like to see President Trump’s Cabinet make appointments quickly.”
“No one has expressed the American public’s dissatisfaction with the weaponization of the Department of Justice better than Matt Gaetz,” Hagerty said.
When Republicans take control of the Senate in January, they are expected to have a Slim majority Seats two or three. Assuming all Senate Democrats vote against Gaetz’s nomination, Trump can only afford the defections of a handful of Republicans before he loses the simple majority needed to confirm his pick for attorney general.
Trump is asking the next Senate Republican leader to agree to send senators home for at least 10 days to pave the way for Trump to make “recess appointments,” which would allow him to name Cabinet members and bypass individual confirmation votes entirely.
Republican Sen. John Thune was chosen to succeed retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell as majority leader. said wednesday Republicans will “explore all options” to ensure Trump’s nominee moves forward quickly.
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