Geraldo Rivera branded Matt Gaetz “rotten” and “creepy” as he let go of Donald Trump’s attorney general pick.
Even Republican lawmakers were shocked by the selection and implemented an early loyalty test as the new Republican Party-controlled Senate schedules confirmation hearings.
Gaetz, 42, is under ethics investigation over claims of sexual misconduct, bribery and drug use — which he denies — and was also the focus of a sex trafficking investigation involving a 17-year-old girl.
Former Fox News host Rivera didn’t hesitate in his initial reaction to Trump’s announcement, among a dozen other proposed appointments.
“Matt Gaetz is a loser. So bad for the Attorney General. Gross,” he wrote on Twitter.
“In May 2021, this man was under investigation for sex trafficking of a 17-year-old. The DOJ reportedly decided not to charge him because the minor was almost 18.
“He also reportedly asked President Trump for a possible pardon regarding January 6.”
Gaetz, 42, is under investigation for claims of sexual misconduct, bribery and drug use – which he denies – and was also the focus of a sex trafficking investigation involving a 17-year-old girl
Rivera continued his scathing assessment on News Nation, predicting that the Senate would vote to impeach him even if it were packed with Republicans.
“When I heard that Matt Gaetz had been selected as attorney general, I had to throw up in my mouth,” he said.
‘I think it’s a terrible, creepy choice. I have no idea why he did it.”
Host Leland Vittert claimed Rivera’s opposition showed Democrats were out of touch with what Americans voted for in the election.
“The fact that all Democrats, including yourself, are talking about how terrible Matt Gaetz is means they’re not talking about the things the American people actually told us to care about in this election,” she said.
Trump-voting Americans cited the economy, immigration and abortion as the most important issues in the election — none of which concern the attorney general.
“Well, as I understand it, President-elect Trump absolutely wanted to end the arming of the Department of Justice,” Rivera responded.
“That guy is the weapon Trump will use to destroy his enemies in the DOJ and destroy its independence.”
Geraldo Rivera labeled Matt Gaetz ‘rotten’ and ‘creepy’ as he unleashed Donald Trump’s attorney general pick
This led to crosstalk between Rivera and Vittert, when she pointed out that Gaetz never said he thought the DoJ should go after Trump’s enemies.
“Matt Gaetz is the embodiment of everything that is rotten in Washington. He is someone who is a privileged and privileged backstabber,” Rivera continued.
“There is no way that Senate Republicans will confirm this man. He’ll make Clarence Thomas’ hearing look like a walk in the park. They’ll dig up everything about him.’
Thomas, 76, who was appointed to the Supreme Court by George HW Bush in 1991 and is by far the oldest justice on the court, faced two hostile hearings amid allegations of sexual harassment.
Accusations from his former colleague Anita Hill, whose FBI interview was leaked, dominated the hearings, which quickly took on a racist tone. He was ultimately confirmed 52-48.
Trump announced on Wednesday his intention to oust Rep. Gaetz as attorney general to lead reforms at the Justice Department – the same agency that investigated him.
Gaetz married his wife Ginger Luckey in 2021
While Trump appears to value staunch loyalty as a prerequisite for his selection for key posts over standard qualifications, the choice of Gaetz as the top law enforcement official in the country left many scratching their heads — if not scraping their jaws off the floor.
Republicans who received the Gaetz nomination – apparently without prior consultation – showed their shock through both their words and their silence.
Even if Gaetz were to see his nomination fail, the clash could provide cover for other controversial Trump nominees.
Rivera’s extreme distaste for the Gaetz choice contrasted with his support for the nomination of Fox News host Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense.
“Bravo Major Pete Hegseth, an inspired choice for Secretary of Defense,” he wrote on Twitter on Tuesday.
“Awarded the Bronze Star, he is a combat veteran with service in Iraq and Afghanistan and is strongest in his support of our veterans. RESPECT.’
Rivera’s extreme distaste for the Gaetz choice contrasted with his support for the nomination of Fox News host Pete Hegseth (pictured) as Secretary of Defense
Hegseth’s appointment is almost as controversial as Gaetz’s because he has no political or leadership experience whatsoever, having largely been just a media pundit since retiring from the Army National Guard.
Rivera doubled down on his praise Wednesday after hearing from defense sources who were less excited.
“I have heard from senior Pentagon veterans about Major Pete Hegseth’s lack of experience running an organization, especially one with three million employees,” he wrote.
“Fair enough, but this man has a big heart, strong character, patriotism and courage. He will continue to grow in this tough job.’
Rivera was a colleague of Hegseth at Fox News for years until he was fired from The Five last year and left the network in response.