President-elect Donald Trump Announces Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Director of National Intelligence
West Palm Beach, Fla. – President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida to serve as his attorney general, bypassing more experienced options in favor of a loyalist who has built a national reputation as a disruptor and has pledged to dramatically overhaul the Justice Department.
Trump’s Loyalist
Gaetz represents much of the Florida Panhandle and became a conservative star when he joined Congress, appearing as a frequent staunch defender of Trump on cable news. He irked fellow GOP members in early 2023 when he filed the resolution that successfully ousted former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy then helped fund a primary challenge to Gaetz that included commercials alleging that he paid for sex with a 17-year-old, an allegation currently investigated by the House Ethics Committee. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing. The Justice Department ended its own sex trafficking investigation without bringing charges against him.
Even Trump’s Allies in the Senate are Keeping their Distance
"We’ll see," said Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin when asked whether he would vote to confirm the congressman. Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, suggested that the Senate would look closely into Gaetz, including the House Ethics Committee investigation. "I’m sure it will make for a popcorn-eating confirmation hearing," said GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina.
Rubio as Secretary of State
Trump also announced that he had tapped Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida as his nominee for secretary of state. A onetime critic who evolved into one of the president-elect’s fiercest defenders, Rubio, who will become the first Latino in the job, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba, and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump’s running mate this summer.
Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence
Trump made the announcement while flying back to Florida from Washington after meeting with President Joe Biden. The president-elect had been expected to pick Rubio for the post, but had also faced pressure from allies of Ric Grenell, who served as acting director of national intelligence during Trump’s first administration. Gabbard, a former Democratic member of Congress and presidential candidate, will serve as director of national intelligence.
Conclusion
President-elect Trump’s choices for attorney general, secretary of state, and director of national intelligence have been met with mixed reactions. While some have praised his loyalty to his supporters, others have expressed concerns about the lack of experience in these critical roles.
FAQs
Q: Who is Rep. Matt Gaetz?
A: Rep. Matt Gaetz is a Republican congressman from Florida who has built a national reputation as a disruptor and has pledged to dramatically overhaul the Justice Department.
Q: Why did Trump choose Gaetz for attorney general?
A: Trump chose Gaetz for attorney general because of his loyalty and commitment to his agenda.
Q: What is Sen. Marco Rubio’s background?
A: Sen. Marco Rubio is a Republican senator from Florida who has been a vocal critic of China, Cuba, and Iran. He was a finalist to be Trump’s running mate this summer.
Q: Who is Tulsi Gabbard?
A: Tulsi Gabbard is a former Democratic member of Congress and presidential candidate who will serve as director of national intelligence.
Q: Why did Trump choose Gabbard for director of national intelligence?
A: Trump chose Gabbard for director of national intelligence because of her broad support in both parties and her commitment to securing peace through strength.
