President-elect Donald Trump says he will nominate longtime ally GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida to serve as his attorney general — a choice that quickly prompted backlash from Democrats and some Republicans over Gaetz's history. Following Trump's announcement, Gaetz resigned from his seat in the House of Representatives, House Speaker Mike Johnson said.
Gaetz, who has represented Florida's 1st Congressional District since 2017, has been the focus of several investigations into his conduct.
In a statement on social media, Trump praised him as a "tenacious attorney" who will "end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans' badly shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department." Gaetz said said on X, "It will be an honor to serve as President Trump's Attorney General!"