Jake Tapper was absolutely stunned as he began his show Wednesday after Donald Trump nominated Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz for Attorney General.
Trump named the controversial Florida congressman as his nominee, in a move that is sure to outrage Democrats and even surprise many Republicans in Washington.
Perhaps expressing that outrage, Tapper began his show absolutely stunned by the nomination.
‘Welcome to The Lead, I’m Jake Tapper. And let me start the show by saying some words I’ve never thought of using together before. And those words are: Matt Gaetz, Attorney General of the United States, said.
He later said he felt it was dangerous for Trump to give Gaetz that job, which requires Senate confirmation.
Jake Tapper was absolutely stunned as he began his show Wednesday after Donald Trump nominated Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz for Attorney General.
Trump named controversial Florida congressman Matt Gaetz as his nominee for attorney general
‘If you’re wondering what Trump is like without the security barriers, well, we’re getting an idea that goes beyond the theoretical. “We are starting with breaking news on many fronts related to the transition of President-elect Donald Trump.”
Gaetz is a MAGA firebrand who has targeted both Republican and Democratic House members as he remains a close ally of Trump.
While Trump appears to be valuing unconditional loyalty as a prerequisite for his picks to key positions above standard qualifications, Gaetz’s selection as the nation’s top law enforcement official left many scratching their heads, if not with his mouth open.
Earlier this year it was announced that the Republican lawmaker is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for sexual misconduct, illicit drug use and bribery.
He was also the subject of a Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking involving a 17-year-old girl, but charges were never filed.
“It is my great honor to announce that Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida is nominated to be the Attorney General of the United States,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday afternoon.
“Matt is a tenacious and deeply talented lawyer, trained at William & Mary Law School, who has distinguished himself in Congress for his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice,” Trump continued.
If confirmed, Gaetz would become the top law enforcement official in the country, overseeing the Justice Department and the FBI.
Trump named the controversial Florida congressman as his nominee in a move that is sure to outrage Democrats and even surprise many Republicans in Washington.
The president-elect stated in office that there are few issues in America more important than “ending the partisan militarization of our justice system.”
Trump claimed that Gaetz “will restore Americans’ severely shattered faith and trust in the Department of Justice.”
Gaetz posted on X in response to the announcement “It will be an honor to serve as President Trump’s Attorney General!”
The veteran MAGA loyalist was first elected to Congress in 2016 to represent Florida’s 1st Congressional District. He previously served in the Florida House of Representatives.
Gaetz gained prominence for his controversial comments as a member of Congress and his actions as a member of the Freedom Caucus.
After taking office during Trump’s first term, he became a leading critic of Russia’s investigations into the 45th president.
Gaetz resigned from his position in the US House of Representatives just hours after the nomination.