Trump taps controversial ally Matt Gaetz to lead US department of justice

NEWS WIRES

13 November 2024 at 6:28 pm·1-min read

Donald Trump on Wednesday tapped divisive Florida congressman Matt Gaetz for attorney general in his upcoming administration, adding to his cabinet a fierce defender of the false claims of widespread fraud during the 2020 election.

Donald Trump announced firebrand lawmaker Matt Gaetz as his pick for attorney general Wednesday, naming a fierce defender who would be well-placed to make good on the president-elect's threats of revenge against political foes.

"Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System," Trump posted on social media. "Matt will end Weaponized Government... and restore Americans' badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department."

Gaetz, a Floridian and a US congressman since 2017, is among Trump's most controversial nominations as he looks to fill out his cabinet after victory against Democrat Kamala Harris in last week's presidential election.

Gaetz resigned from his seat in the House of Representatives hours after Trump's bombshell announcement on Wednesday.

Trump has called for retribution against many perceived political foes whom he baselessly accuses of wielding the might of the Justice Department against him in politically motivated prosecutions.

Democrats fear that Gaetz, 42, will help him weaponize the department to launch exactly those types of "show trial" prosecutions.

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