On the plane, some watch films while others make up their administration. This Wednesday, November 13, during the flight from Washington to West Palm Beach, Donald Trump announced that he would appoint Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Matt Gaetz as Attorney General of the United States, the equivalent of the Minister of Justice. “Matt will end armed government, protect our borders, dismantle criminal organizations and restore Americans’ broken faith and trust in the Department of Justice,” Donald Trump justified in a statement published on his Truth Social platform, specifying that the future minister will put “an end to the instrumentalization of our administration” as well as “corruption within the Department of Justice”.
If the name of Marco Rubio has been circulating for a few days, that of Matt Gaetz has caused more than one reaction. At issue: his extremist ideology and his numerous cases brought before the courts. A shame for the one who is about to take the head of this ministry.
A Republican shock wave
Donald Trump’s press release was barely published when a wave of protests swept across the country. Kamala Harris’ campaign team was quick to respond, declaring in a statement that Donald Trump and Matt Gaetz “will weaponize the Department of Justice to protect themselves and their allies.” Same electric atmosphere during a private meeting of Republicans from the House of Representatives. According to Associated Press, cries of surprise were heard during Donald Trump’s announcement. “Everyone was like, ‘Oh my God,'” said Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson. According to the press agency, all the guests first thought it was a joke in bad taste, before having confirmation. “It’s the biggest surprise I’ve had in a long time,” continued the elected official.
An anonymous member of the House Republicans lamented to Axios: “We wanted him out of the House. That’s not what we thought.” While a second remarked they were “stunned and disgusted”. For Republican John Bolton, former national security adviser, there is no doubt: Matt Gaetz “has to be the worst cabinet nomination in American history.” “He is not only totally incompetent for this job, he has no character. He is a person of moral turpitude,” he reacted in an interview granted to NBC News.
An investigation opened for sex trafficking
If this appointment provokes so much reaction, it is because the future Secretary of State is not a “champion of the Constitution and the rule of law” as Donald Trump liked to call him. And for good reason, the former representative of Florida has found himself in the sights of justice multiple times. Federal prosecutors and the FBI have been investigating for several years as part of an investigation opened by the bipartisan House Ethics Committee into the politician’s alleged involvement in the sex trafficking of a young girl from 17 years old. Among other things, investigators are looking into whether Matt Gaetz paid for sex or for women to cross state lines for sex, which would violate human trafficking laws.
The ethics committee even announced that it was expanding its investigation with allegations that the Republican had embezzled public funds, driven drunk, consumed drugs and accepted inappropriate gifts. But this investigation is now just ancient history. During Donald Trump’s first term, Matt Gaetz asked the latter if he could pardon him, in the event that he was indicted. In 2022, prosecutors recommended against charging him, citing the reliability of two witnesses. But as the committee was scheduled to hold a vote Friday on whether to release a “damaging” report, the Donald Trump supporter resigned as Florida representative, permanently ending the ongoing investigation.
MAGA, MAGA… and MAGA
In addition to his legal affairs, the ideology of the future minister is also singled out. His adherence to the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement makes more than one Republican cringe. Conspirator, follower of the “great replacement” theory, climate skeptic, pro-arms, opponent of the right to abortion, denouncer of the results of the 2020 election: Matt Gaetz seems to tick all the boxes required by Donald Trump. The icing on the cake: the politician opposed the election of Republican Kevin McCarthy to the post of Speaker of the House of Representatives last year, judging that he was too moderate. He would contribute to his ouster a few months later.
But before taking the helm of the Ministry of Justice, Matt Gaetz will have to be interviewed by the Senate which will confirm, or not, his appointment. To become secretary of state, the former Florida representative will need the support of at least 50 of the 53 Republicans in the next Senate, as well as the decisive vote of Vice President-elect JD Vance. “Gaetz has a better chance of having a dinner with Queen Elizabeth II than of being confirmed by the Senate”, quipped to Axios Ohio Republican Congressman Max Miller. A step, therefore, far from being won.