A new Wall Street Journal report indicates that Matt Gaetz’s nomination for attorney general is facing significant opposition, with over 30 Republican senators reportedly ready to block his confirmation.
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he had selected the embattled Florida Congressman for the position of attorney general, despite Gaetz’s lack of judicial or prosecutorial experience. The news quickly followed Gaetz’s resignation from his congressional seat, coming just days before the release of a House Ethics Committee report detailing multiple allegations against him. These included accusations of sexual misconduct, drug use, accepting improper gifts, and attempting to interfere with investigations into his actions.
Despite Trump’s support, Senate Republicans, who hold a slim 53-47 majority, are expressing widespread skepticism. While some GOP members have already declared their opposition, sources close to the situation say the resistance runs deeper than anticipated.
According to The Wall Street Journal, more than 30 Republican senators could ultimately vote “no” on Gaetz, making it unlikely he will secure the votes needed to be confirmed.
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One source familiar with private conversations among Senate Republicans said “significantly more than four” senators are opposed, adding that “people are pissed” over the nomination. The growing discontent appears to be widespread, with estimates ranging from a dozen to more than 30 Republican votes against Gaetz. “It won’t even be close,” another person said.
Key Republicans have expressed concerns about the nomination. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) said he would need to see the full House Ethics report before making a decision on Gaetz’s confirmation, while Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) called Gaetz’s confirmation a “long, steep hill to get across the finish line,” questioning whether it would be worth the political cost.
With the number of GOP defections mounting, Gaetz’s chances of becoming the country’s top law enforcement officer are looking increasingly bleak. As one anonymous source bluntly put it, “He’s toast.”
