Well, it looks like Congress just lost one of its most firebrand members. Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) officially bowed out of the House, effective immediately, after receiving the nod from President-elect Donald Trump to step into the ring as the next U.S. Attorney General.
To say this resignation came as a surprise might be an understatement, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) seeming genuinely blindsided. Gaetz reportedly quipped that he couldn’t afford “too many absences,” a remark that could raise an eyebrow or two.
House Speaker Johnson is now scrambling to get the ball rolling on filling Gaetz’s seat, having already called Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to start the process. According to Johnson, if everything goes smoothly, Gaetz’s seat could be filled as early as January 3, right when the new Congress takes the oath of office. He even expressed gratitude that Gaetz made the decision “on the fly,” framing it as a favor to the House, especially with an intense legislative year ahead.
It will be an honor to serve as President Trump’s Attorney General! pic.twitter.com/dg0iQ0bA6Y
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 13, 2024
Of course, Gaetz’s departure conveniently brings an end to the House Ethics Committee’s investigation into some pretty explosive allegations that have followed him for quite some time. The investigation was reportedly days away from a key vote, with the Committee prepared to release findings from months of digging. By resigning, Gaetz effectively halts the probe in its tracks, which might raise some speculation—though he’s been adamant that there’s nothing to see here.
Trump’s nomination of Gaetz marks a bold but telling choice. Here’s a guy who’s been one of Trump’s loudest defenders, standing shoulder to shoulder with him throughout the so-called “Russia Hoax” and other battles with the DOJ. In his social media post, Trump praised Gaetz as a “deeply gifted and tenacious attorney,” calling out his legal credentials from William & Mary College of Law and highlighting his role on the House Judiciary Committee. And Trump’s directive is clear: end the “weaponization” of the justice system, a phrase that’s gained traction among Republicans who argue that the DOJ has strayed too far from its mission.
The main issue with Matt Gaetz is that he used his office to prosecute his political opponents and authorized federal agents to harass parents who were peacefully protesting at school board meetings.
Oh wait, that’s actually Merrick Garland, the current attorney general.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) November 14, 2024
Now, with Gaetz as Attorney General, Trump promises Americans an era of “Honesty, Integrity, and Transparency at DOJ.” Gaetz is expected to tackle drug cartels with the same fervor he used to decry government corruption. His appointment is a clear signal that Trump wants someone in charge who doesn’t mind stirring up a little chaos if that’s what it takes to shake up the status quo.
Ladies & Gentlemen, I give you our next, ass kicking & taking names Attorney General of the United States of America, Matt Gaetz! This is AMAZING 👏 pic.twitter.com/Y6MVnIMQxv
— Michelle #AmericaFirst (@MichelleRM68) November 13, 2024
No doubt, Gaetz’s appointment as AG won’t be without controversy. But Gaetz and Trump’s base see this as a long-overdue move to start cleaning house within the Justice Department. Whether you love or hate Gaetz, there’s no denying his loyalty and determination to follow Trump’s vision for a DOJ that serves, as he puts it, “all Americans” and not just a select few.
So, as Gaetz steps out of Congress, we’re left wondering what kind of fireworks his tenure as Attorney General will bring. His supporters are excited to see him root out corruption and bring what they believe to be real accountability to the DOJ. And with Gaetz taking the reins, one thing’s for sure: things won’t be dull.
