President-elect Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Republican congressman Matt Gaetz as his attorney general, a move that has stunned many in Washington. Gaetz, a staunch Trump loyalist, is one of the most divisive figures in Congress, having led the effort to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year.
Gaetz has spent his congressional career criticising the Justice Department and is currently under a House Ethics investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and accepting improper gifts. He has denied all accusations. Trump praised Gaetz for his focus on 'achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice' and vowed he would 'root out systemic corruption'.
The nomination has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats. The Harris-Walz campaign warned that Trump is 'installing loyalists who will do his bidding' and weaponise the Justice Department. Senator Chris Murphy called it 'a red alert moment for our democracy'. Gaetz has already resigned from Congress, effective immediately, according to House Speaker Mike Johnson.
In other appointments, Trump named former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence and Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state. Rubio, a foreign policy hawk, has taken hardline stances on Iran and China. The selections reflect Trump's preference for loyalists over experienced officials.
