Gail Slater, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, is finally expected to be confirmed by the United States Senate in the coming days. From her work on the Senate staff of Vice President JD Vance to her pro-consumer bent, she’s proven she’ll be prudent and effective.
In her recent confirmation hearing, Slater made it clear that she will bring the DOJ back to its evidence-based approach of targeting companies that have truly harmed competition rather than those who are merely scapegoated for macroeconomic conditions. Adherence to the facts and the law will improve antitrust enforcement, allowing the department’s staff to focus their talents where they belong — on cheaters.
I believe in strong antitrust enforcement. As a lawmaker, I often joined bipartisan coalitions to encourage it when warranted. That legitimate enforcement of antitrust laws is impaired when overreach becomes the rage. Unfortunately, that&#8217;s exactly what happened under the Biden-Harris administration.
For example, as Fox News recently highlighted, the Biden DOJ recently went after Visa’s debit card network. Are we really supposed to believe that not enough companies are competing in the debit card space? With tokenization and decentralized finance tools spreading like Georgia Kudzu, actions like this strain credibility. More likely, the Biden-Harris administration needed to deflect blame for inflation, so Visa became a political “whipping boy.”
The Biden DOJ also sued property management software, blaming them for higher housing costs. Why blame supply chain issues, restrictive zoning laws, and high regulatory costs when you can just blame the software that told the American people about the rising costs of Biden’s economy, I guess?
Gail Slater can fix it. In her confirmation hearing, she said she will prioritize “surgical enforcement” over reckless attacks on innovative businesses. Instead of wielding antitrust law as a blunt instrument to reshape entire industries like the Biden Antitrust Division did, she will deploy it only as a “precision tool”—intervening only where there is clear, demonstrable evidence of consumer harm. And in those cases, Gail Slater will be a warrior for consumers. By removing so many false positive cases off the Antitrust Division docket, Slater will have significantly more time to devote to the most pressing threats to free speech and collusive corporate behavior, of which there remain plenty.
For example, Slater stated in her confirmation hearing that she will pay significant attention to Google. This is great news for the conservatives who have long argued that the company, as the dominant force in online search and digital advertising, has used its power to marginalize conservative perspectives, including by manipulating search algorithms, demonetizing conservative content on YouTube, and restricting access to conservative news outlets. Google could likely resolve many of these concerns by remediating the censorship it has allowed. Of course, putting the One America News Network on YouTubeTV would be a great start!
Another area of enforcement that Slater highlighted as a prime example of antitrust violations deserving DOJ scrutiny is the issue of group boycotts against conservative businesses. We’ve seen the coordinated exclusion of conservative media outlets from advertising platforms through entities like the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) and NewsGuard. We&#8217;ve also seen financial institutions denying services to firearm manufacturers and faith-based organization.
It is clear that when dominant players in an industry collude to exclude or financially strangle disfavored businesses, competition is not just distorted — it is intentionally sabotaged. This represents precisely the kind of collusive conduct that antitrust law was designed to address — and Slater’s DOJ will make sure these cases are treated with the seriousness they deserve.
As you can see, Slater’s strategy is not to avoid enforcement — it’s to make enforcement more effective. By concentrating on cases of monopolization and exclusionary practices, the DOJ can achieve more successes and stronger legal outcomes.
This kind of focused enforcement incentivizes better behavior and compliance from industry, too. When businesses know that the DOJ will act decisively where real harm exists, they are more likely to be better corporate citizens with consumer protection top of mind.
This is the antitrust policy America needs — one that fosters innovation, consumer choice, and economic growth while holding genuinely bad actors accountable. The Senate should confirm her immediately.
* * *
Matt Gaetz is a former U.S. congressman from Florida who served on the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, including the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government and the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law. He is also a former Attorney General nominee from President Donald J. Trump. Presently, Gaetz is the host of The Matt Gaetz Show on One America News Network.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

Senate Judiciary Committee Holds Confirmation Hearing For Todd Blanche And Abigail Slater

Why The Senate Must Confirm Gail Slater As DOJ Antitrust Czar

Antitrust

Biden Administration

Matt Gaetz

Opinion

Pam Bondi

President Trump

U.S. Senate

Former Rep. <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/matt-gaetz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matt Gaetz</a> (R-FL), who left Congress during a short-lived bid to become President-elect <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Donald Trump</a>&#8216;s attorney general, delivered a fiery response on Wednesday after it was revealed that the House Ethics Committee <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/18/politics/matt-gaetz-ethics-report-committee/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">secretly voted</a> to publicize a report on his alleged sexual misconduct.
The news came as a surprise as the panel was previously said to have <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-expected-vote-whether-release-matt-gaetz-ethics-report-rcna182952" target="_blank" rel="noopener">voted against</a> disclosing the report after Gaetz <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-matt-gaetz-withdraws-name-from-ag-consideration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">withdrew from consideration</a> to become attorney general last month, leading to former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi getting the nomination. A release is expected to happen after the final votes of the year, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/house-ethics-committee-release-report-matt-gaetz-investigation-rcna184675" target="_blank" rel="noopener">possibly later this week</a>.
&#8220;The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes,&#8221; Gaetz said in a <a href="https://x.com/mattgaetz/status/1869406920768917618" target="_blank" rel="noopener">post</a> to X, adding, &#8220;I was <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/doj-chooses-not-to-charge-matt-gaetz-in-sex-trafficking-investigation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">charged with nothing</a>: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me.&#8221;
He continued: &#8220;Then, the very &#8216;witnesses&#8217; DOJ deemed not-credible were assembled by House Ethics to repeat their claims absent any cross-examination or challenge from me or my attorneys. I’ve had no chance to ever confront any accusers. I’ve never been charged. I’ve never been sued.&#8221;
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The House Ethics Committee &#8220;will reportedly post a report online that I have no opportunity to debate or rebut as a former member of the body,&#8221; Gaetz said before discussing the period during which the alleged misconduct took place.
&#8220;In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated &#8211; even some I never dated but who asked,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I dated several of these women for years. I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18. Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court &#8211; which is why no such claim was ever made in court.&#8221;
Gaetz said his 30s &#8220;were an era of working very hard &#8211; and playing hard too.&#8221; He added, &#8220;It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now.&#8221;
Then, the former congressman ended his post with a swipe at Congress, alluding to the 1,547-page <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/congress-reveals-another-stopgap-bill-to-avert-government-shutdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">continuing resolution</a> (CR) that seeks to provide funds to various departments through March 14, 2025, allocate more than $100 billion in disaster aid, and more.
&#8220;But at least I didn’t vote for CR’s that f*** over the country!&#8221; Gaetz said.
With a follow-up post to X, Gaetz prompted speculation about whether he might try to make a brief comeback to the House.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Someone suggested the following plan to me:
1. Show up 1/3/2025 to congress 2. Participate in Speaker election (I was elected to the 119th Congress, after all…) 3. Take the oath 4. File a privileged motion to expose every “me too” settlement paid using public funds (even of…
&mdash; Former Congressman Matt Gaetz (@FmrRepMattGaetz) <a href="https://twitter.com/FmrRepMattGaetz/status/1869443479052362133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Gaetz Fires Back After Revelation That House Panel Voted To Release Ethics Report

Congress

Ethics

Politics

U.S. House of Representatives

President-elect Donald Trump is throwing his support behind two candidates to replace Florida Reps. <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/matt-gaetz-says-he-will-not-rejoin-congress-after-withdrawing-from-ag-consideration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matt Gaetz</a> and <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-taps-mike-waltz-as-national-security-advisor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mike Waltz</a>, after Gaetz resigned from Congress and Waltz was tapped to serve as Trump&#8217;s national security adviser.
Trump is backing Florida&#8217;s chief financial officer Jimmy Patronis to take Gaetz&#8217;s place and endorsed state lawmaker Randy Fine to fill Waltz&#8217;s seat.
Trump urged Patronis to run for the 1st district seat, writing on Monday, &#8220;As your next Congressman, Jimmy would work tirelessly alongside of me to Grow our Economy, Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Incredible Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.&#8221;
Patronis responded to Trump, posting on X, &#8220;Put me to work, Mr. President! @realDonaldTrump I am here to serve.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Put me to work, Mr. President! <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> I am here to serve. 🫡 <a href="https://t.co/5HcxBtJAmk">https://t.co/5HcxBtJAmk</a>
— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimmyPatronis/status/1861109273981309269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Patronis also serves as Florida&#8217;s fire marshal and was formerly a member of the state House of Representatives.
Trump similarly encouraged Fine to run for Waltz&#8217;s seat. In a <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113534190029345867" target="_blank" rel="noopener">post</a> on Truth Social over the weekend, Trump described Fine as &#8220;an INCREDIBLE Fighter who will work tirelessly with me to Stop Inflation, Grow our Economy, Secure the Border, Champion our Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, Protect our always under siege Second Amendment, and Restore PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.&#8221;
Fine served in the state House of Representatives from 2016 to 2024 and was elected to the state Senate in this year&#8217;s election.
&#8220;Should he decide to enter this Race, Randy Fine has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, RANDY, RUN!&#8221; Trump added.
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Fine responded to Trump&#8217;s endorsement and hinted at a coming announcement.
&#8220;Mr. President, G-d saved you on that day in Butler so that you could save the world,&#8221; Fine posted. &#8220;It would be the honor of my life to be one of your footsoldiers. Your confidence is overwhelming and I will have news to share soon!&#8221;
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Clearly Mom wasted no time once she made it upstairs. 
Mr. President, G-d saved you on that day in Butler so that you could save the world. It would be the honor of my life to be one of your footsoldiers. Your confidence is overwhelming and I will have news to share soon! <a href="https://t.co/Zt9Tj3rF6e">pic.twitter.com/Zt9Tj3rF6e</a>
&mdash; Senator Randy Fine (@VoteRandyFine) <a href="https://twitter.com/VoteRandyFine/status/1860428107414426086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The special elections for both districts will <a href="https://floridianpress.com/2024/11/when-will-florida-have-special-elections-for-empty-gaetz-waltz-seats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">take place</a> on April 1 and candidates must qualify to run by December 6. Both districts have consistently voted Republican for decades.

Donald Trump

Trump Makes Endorsements In Florida Special Elections

Florida

House Republicans

Mike Waltz

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) said on Friday that he will not rejoin Congress in January after <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-matt-gaetz-withdraws-name-from-ag-consideration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">withdrawing</a> his name from consideration for attorney general.
Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during an interview, “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” CNN <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/22/politics/gaetz-not-rejoining-congress/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
The former Florida congressman resigned from the 118th Congress earlier this month after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him for attorney general. His withdrawal from AG consideration on Thursday <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/can-matt-gaetz-make-a-house-comeback-next-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prompted</a> journalists to immediately begin exploring whether Gaetz could return to the House next year to serve since he won his November election.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Matt Gaetz tells Charlie Kirk he does not plan to return to Congress:
“I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress.” <a href="https://t.co/VVOCoBfu5T">pic.twitter.com/VVOCoBfu5T</a>
&mdash; The Recount (@therecount) <a href="https://twitter.com/therecount/status/1860006982553416149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The nomination of Gaetz, a staunch Trump loyalist, was immediately criticized by Democrats and some Republicans, who expressed concern over the investigations into Gaetz over alleged sexual misconduct. Gaetz announced his decision to drop out of attorney general consideration on Thursday after meeting with senators on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. He said it was “clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.”
The House Ethics Committee has weighed releasing a report on Gaetz after looking into the sexual misconduct allegations against him. CNN <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/21/politics/matt-gaetz-second-sexual-encounter-minor/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> on Thursday that the Ethics Committee was told of a second alleged sexual encounter between Gaetz and a 17-year-old girl in 2017. According to CNN, Gaetz announced that he was withdrawing his name 45 minutes after reporters had asked for comment from him on the second allegation.
Trump tapped former Florida Attorney General <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/republicans-praise-bondi-following-nomination-shell-be-an-incredible-attorney-general" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pam Bondi</a> to replace Gaetz as the attorney general nominee on Thursday, a move praised by Gaetz.
&#8220;@PamBondi is a stellar selection by President Trump for Attorney General,&#8221; Gaetz <a href="https://x.com/mattgaetz/status/1859753489062154581" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted</a> on X. &#8220;Pam and I worked closely together when she was Florida’s Attorney General and I chaired Criminal Justice in the state house. She’s a proven litigator, an inspiring leader and a champion for all Americans. She will bring the needed reforms to DOJ.&#8221;
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To fill Gaetz&#8217;s seat, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis called for a special election, and Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd <a href="https://www.pnj.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/21/matt-gaetz-special-election-salzman-rudman-running-to-fill-seat/76450951007/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> an election date would be announced as soon as possible. Republicans hold a slim majority in the House, but the party isn&#8217;t concerned about losing Gaetz&#8217;s seat as Florida&#8217;s 1st district is deep red.
Gaetz told Kirk on Friday, “There are a number of fantastic Floridians who’ve stepped up to run for my seat, people who have inspired with their heroism, with their public service. And I’m actually excited to see Northwest Florida go to new heights and have great representation.&#8221;
“I’m going to be fighting for President Trump,&#8221; he added. &#8220;I’m going to be doing whatever he asks of me, as I always have. But I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress.”
Daniel Chaitin contributed to this report.

Matt Gaetz Says He Will Not Rejoin Congress After Withdrawing From AG Consideration

2024 Election

Attorney General

President-elect <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Donald Trump</a> was praised Thursday evening after announcing that he had nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to be his U.S. Attorney General.
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who was Trump&#8217;s pick for attorney general until he removed his name from consideration on Thursday afternoon, said that he was excited about her nomination.
&#8220;@PamBondi is a stellar selection by President Trump for Attorney General,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Pam and I worked closely together when she was Florida’s Attorney General and I chaired Criminal Justice in the state house.&#8221;
&#8220;She’s a proven litigator, an inspiring leader and a champion for all Americans,&#8221; he continued. &#8220;She will bring the needed reforms to DOJ.&#8221;
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said: &#8220;@PamBondi excelled as Attorney General of Florida and has dedicated her career to enforcing the law. She will work with President Trump to end the weaponization of the justice system and uphold the rule of law. Pam will be a great Attorney General.&#8221;
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also congratulated Bondi on the nomination.
<a href="https://www.amiracist.com/?_gl=1*jtghwp*_gcl_au*ODQ1NjYzNTg2LjE3Mjg5MDk3OTE.*_ga*MTc2NzM0NDQ2NS4xNzI4OTA5Nzkx*_ga_CZKR9ZYKJP*MTczMDEyMDgwOS40OS4xLjE3MzAxMjA4MzkuMzAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+</a>
&#8220;She will put America First, and we&#8217;ve got her back in Texas!&#8221; he said. &#8220;I look forward to working with you!&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congrats to the great <a href="https://twitter.com/PamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PamBondi</a>
She will put America First, and we&#8217;ve got her back in Texas!
I look forward to working with you! <a href="https://t.co/ZIzpvyT8iZ">https://t.co/ZIzpvyT8iZ</a>
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) <a href="https://twitter.com/KenPaxtonTX/status/1859765704419049542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that he collaborated with Bondi when he served as Texas&#8217; Attorney General.
&#8220;She will be a steadfast fighter for what is right and restore respect for the rule of law,&#8221; he said.
&#8220;@PamBondi is a tough-as-nails former prosecutor and one of the best in the game,&#8221; said Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares. &#8220;As one AG to another? The US Department of Justice will be in excellent hands.&#8221;
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said: &#8220;Congratulations to my friend, @PamBondi. Pam will be an excellent U.S. Attorney General.&#8221;
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) said: &#8220;Congrats to my friend @PamBondi. She’ll be an incredible Attorney General. Great choice @realDonaldTrump!&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congrats to my friend <a href="https://twitter.com/PamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PamBondi</a>. She’ll be an incredible Attorney General. Great choice <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>! <a href="https://t.co/LbG28Ea8KK">pic.twitter.com/LbG28Ea8KK</a>
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1859744428703019070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>

President Trump Meets With State And Local Officials On School Safety

Republicans Praise Bondi Following Nomination: ‘She’ll Be An Incredible Attorney General’

Executive

Trump Administration

President-elect <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Donald Trump</a> announced on Thursday evening that he has already selected a replacement for his nominee for U.S. Attorney General after former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) withdrew his name from consideration earlier in the day.
&#8220;I am proud to announce former Attorney General of the Great State of Florida, Pam Bondi, as our next Attorney General of the United States,&#8221; Trump said in a statement. &#8220;Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on Violent Criminals, and made the streets safe for Florida Families.&#8221;
Trump highlighted Bondi&#8217;s record as the first female Attorney General of Florida, noting that she worked to stop drug traffickers and tackle the fentanyl problem plaguing America&#8217;s streets.
&#8220;She did such an incredible job, that I asked her to serve on our Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during my first Term — We saved many lives!&#8221; he said.
&#8220;For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans &#8211; Not anymore,&#8221; Trump said. &#8220;Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚨 President Donald J. Trump announces the nomination of <a href="https://twitter.com/PamBondi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PamBondi</a> as Attorney General <a href="https://t.co/A9PHbBsW5b">pic.twitter.com/A9PHbBsW5b</a>
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrumpWarRoom/status/1859741577029222769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
Bondi recently <a href="https://x.com/foxfriendsfirst/status/1858861198613111061?s=46" target="_blank" rel="noopener">appeared</a> on Fox News, where she discussed The Daily Wire&#8217;s story on FEMA corruption.
&#8220;I think they need to find out if it&#8217;s systemic, and it sounds like it is,&#8221; Bondi said of the FEMA worker who instructed employees to skip over certain homes sporting pro-Trump signage. &#8220;These are Americans who are having their civil rights violated because they chose to have a Donald Trump sign in their front yard,&#8221; she later added.
<a href="https://www.amiracist.com/?_gl=1*jtghwp*_gcl_au*ODQ1NjYzNTg2LjE3Mjg5MDk3OTE.*_ga*MTc2NzM0NDQ2NS4xNzI4OTA5Nzkx*_ga_CZKR9ZYKJP*MTczMDEyMDgwOS40OS4xLjE3MzAxMjA4MzkuMzAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+</a>
Gaetz said that his decision to withdraw from the race came after meeting with senators on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. He said that it was “clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.” Gaetz’s withdrawal comes as multiple senators expressed concern over his confirmation and the House Ethics Committee weighed releasing a report on alleged sexual misconduct.
“I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition. There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1,” Gaetz wrote.
“I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will Save America.”
Trump released a statement on Gaetz’s decision, writing, “I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”
Gaetz’s withdrawal from the AG position comes after he resigned from Congress when Trump nominated him to serve in the administration. Gaetz, a congressman since 2017, wrote in his resignation letter on November 14, “I do not intend to take the oath of office for the same office in the 119th Congress.”
The Florida congressman is the subject of an Ethics Committee investigation into alleged sexual misconduct. The committee met behind closed doors on Wednesday to discuss the report, but did not come to an agreement on releasing what it had found on Gaetz.
CNN reported on Thursday that the Ethics Committee was told of a second alleged sexual encounter between Gaetz and a 17-year-old in 2017. According to CNN, Gaetz announced that he was withdrawing his name 45 minutes after reporters had asked for comment from him on the second allegation.
Vice President-elect JD Vance took Gaetz around Capitol Hill to meet with key senators, and multiple Republicans urged their colleagues to wait for the confirmation hearing before rushing to judgment on any of the allegations against Gaetz. The Department of Justice also investigated Gaetz over alleged sex trafficking, but did not bring any charges against him.
Zach Jewell continued to this report.

Republicans Hold Virtual 2020 National Convention

Trump Taps Pam Bondi For U.S. Attorney General

With <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/matt-gaetz-resigns-from-congress-following-attorney-general-nomination" target="_blank" rel="noopener">former</a> Rep. <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/matt-gaetz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matt Gaetz</a> (R-FL) <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-matt-gaetz-withdraws-name-from-ag-consideration?topStoryPosition=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">withdrawing from consideration</a> to become President-elect <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Donald Trump</a>&#8216;s attorney general on Thursday, journalists immediately began to explore whether Gaetz could return to the House next year to serve the two-year term that he won in the November election.
Gaetz, a four-term congressman, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/matt-gaetz-resigns-from-congress-following-attorney-general-nomination" target="_blank" rel="noopener">resigned</a> from Congress last week shortly after Trump nominated him to lead the Department of Justice. In his resignation letter that was <a href="https://x.com/cspan/status/1857108564118052891" target="_blank" rel="noopener">read aloud</a> by the House clerk, Gaetz indicated he did not intend to serve the fifth term voters had just given him by <a href="https://election.dailywire.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a 32-point margin</a>.
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepMattGaetz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepMattGaetz</a> resignation is read in the House of Representatives: &quot;I do not intend to take the oath of office for the same office in the 119th Congress to pursue the position of Attorney General in the Trump Administration.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/8SpMffRYjJ">pic.twitter.com/8SpMffRYjJ</a>
&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1857108564118052891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;I hereby resign, as the United States Representative for Florida&#8217;s First Congressional District, effective immediately, and I do not intend to take the oath of office for the same office in the 119th Congress to pursue the position of Attorney General in the Trump administration,&#8221; Gaetz <a href="https://x.com/jamiedupree/status/1859660501019656636" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a> to the House speaker.
Sources <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-transition-news-11-21-24#cm3rn93fu000o3b6n4hqe6hmm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told CNN</a> that the way Gaetz worded his letter leaves room for him to be sworn in at the beginning of the next Congress, which starts in January. In a post to X, Fox News&#8217; Chad Pergram similarly <a href="https://x.com/ChadPergram/status/1859671505434706304" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that his news outlet was told that the part of Gaetz&#8217;s letter about his future plans was not binding.
It appears a key element is Florida Governor Ron Desantis&#8217; administration not setting up a special election to determine a successor to Gaetz. DeSantis <a href="https://x.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/1856993208900739437" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> last week he instructed Secretary of State Cord Byrd to announce a schedule for special elections for seats held by Gaetz and other Trump picks, but Byrd has <a href="https://dos.fl.gov/elections/for-voters/special-elections/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">yet to do so</a>.
Further strengthening the case for a comeback, CBS correspondent Scott MacFarlane <a href="https://x.com/MacFarlaneNews/status/1859685899396604295" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> on X that a House aide said: &#8220;Florida officials sent federally-required election certifications to the Clerk of the House confirming who was elected to serve during the 119th Congress. Matt Gaetz&#8217;s name was included in that list.&#8221;
It&#8217;s unclear whether Gaetz will try to retake his seat. DeSantis press secretary Jeremy Redfern said, “You’d have to ask Gaetz,” when asked if the governor expects Gaetz to vacate his seat next congress, according to the publication, <a href="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/709041-now-out-of-attorney-general-running-will-matt-gaetz-be-sworn-in-for-another-house-term/">Florida Politics</a>. Since ending his bid for AG, Gaetz has not publicly shared any plans.
Would there be implications if Gaetz returns? Per MacFarlane&#8217;s source, Gaetz might get the last office available because the room lottery for incoming members is done. And, as <a href="https://x.com/MarcACaputo/status/1859667801092522222" target="_blank" rel="noopener">noted</a> by a Tallahassee lawyer who spoke to Bulwark reporter Marc Caputo, the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/house-ethics-committee-has-not-agreed-to-release-report-on-gaetz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">House ethics report</a> on Gaetz is &#8220;waiting for him if he goes back.&#8221;

Can Matt Gaetz Make A House Comeback Next Year?

U.S.

Shortly after Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-matt-gaetz-withdraws-name-from-ag-consideration?topStoryPosition=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">withdrew his name</a> from consideration for attorney general, multiple political commentators suggested that President-elect Donald Trump nominate a conservative Supreme Court justice for the position.
Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration for AG after being tapped by Trump for the position, saying it was “clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.” The move came as the House Ethics Committee weighed releasing a report on alleged sexual misconduct by Gaetz.
Conservative commentators floated Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito for attorney general, a move that would also open up a seat for Trump to appoint someone to the nation&#8217;s highest court. Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices in his first term.
&#8220;Trump could put Justice Alito up for Attorney General and then fill the SCOTUS seat,&#8221; <a href="https://x.com/KatiePavlich/status/1859654297107193887" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a> Katie Pavlich. In a follow-up post, Pavlich added, &#8220;Or:&#8221; next to a GIF of Thomas.
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Or: <a href="https://t.co/j6tXbmM4kr">https://t.co/j6tXbmM4kr</a> <a href="https://t.co/pralJXF1UK">pic.twitter.com/pralJXF1UK</a>
&mdash; Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) <a href="https://twitter.com/KatiePavlich/status/1859655571898761237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Steve Deace of The Blaze floated Thomas for the position in the second Trump administration. &#8220;Appoint Clarence Thomas attorney general, and then fill his seat on the Supreme Court with either Ted Cruz or Ron DeSantis,&#8221; Deace <a href="https://x.com/SteveDeaceShow/status/1859666753925869635" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.
Nevada Republican Senate candidate Sam Brown also endorsed the idea of nominating Thomas for AG.
&#8220;Double Win! President Trump appoints Clarence Thomas or Samuel Alito, strong defenders of the Constitution, as his Attorney General. Then, he can immediately nominate a new US Supreme Court Justice!&#8221; Brown wrote on X. Make America Great Again! 🇺🇸 Left’s meltdown continues.&#8221;
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🚨Double Win!
President Trump appoints Clarence Thomas or Samuel Alito, strong defenders of the Constitution, as his Attorney General. 
Then, he can immediately nominate a new US Supreme Court Justice! 
Make America Great Again! 🇺🇸
Left’s meltdown continues. <a href="https://t.co/xfsemfPgwG">pic.twitter.com/xfsemfPgwG</a>
&mdash; Sam Brown (@CaptainSamBrown) <a href="https://twitter.com/CaptainSamBrown/status/1859666567056986325?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Other names that have been floated for attorney general include Attorney Mark Paoletta, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Trump only has a few positions left to fill in his new cabinet. Some of his picks, including Gaetz, have caused a stir on Capitol Hill and in legacy media newsrooms. Decorated veteran Pete Hegseth, the nominee for Defense Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary, and Tulsi Gabbard, the nominee for Director of National Intelligence, have all come under fire after being tapped by Trump.

Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito

Commentators Float Conservative SCOTUS Justices For AG

Clarence Thomas

Samuel Alito

Supreme Court

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) announced on Thursday that he is withdrawing his name from consideration for attorney general after being tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to serve in the position.
Gaetz said that his decision came after meeting with senators on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. He said that it was &#8220;clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.&#8221; Gaetz&#8217;s withdrawal comes as multiple senators expressed concern over his confirmation and the House Ethics Committee weighed releasing a report on alleged sexual misconduct.
&#8220;I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback &#8211; and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition. There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I&#8217;ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump&#8217;s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1,&#8221; Gaetz wrote.
&#8220;I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I&#8217;m certain he will Save America.&#8221;
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I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback &#8211; and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance…
&mdash; Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattgaetz/status/1859649045553402285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Trump released a <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113522181118234752" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> on Gaetz&#8217;s decision, writing, &#8220;I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!&#8221;
Gaetz&#8217;s withdrawal from the AG position comes after he resigned from Congress when Trump nominated him to serve in the administration. Gaetz, a congressman since 2017, wrote in his resignation <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5141813/matt-gaetz-resignation-statement-read-house-floor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">letter</a> on November 14, &#8220;I do not intend to take the oath of office for the same office in the 119th Congress.&#8221;
The Florida congressman is the subject of an Ethics Committee investigation into alleged sexual misconduct. The committee met behind closed doors on Wednesday to discuss the report, but did not come to an agreement on releasing what it had found on Gaetz.
CNN <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/21/politics/matt-gaetz-second-sexual-encounter-minor/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> on Thursday that the Ethics Committee was told of a second alleged sexual encounter between Gaetz and a 17-year-old in 2017. According to CNN, Gaetz announced that he was withdrawing his name 45 minutes after reporters had <a href="https://x.com/PaulaReidCNN/status/1859651549993238811" target="_blank" rel="noopener">asked</a> for comment from him on the second allegation.
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Vice President-elect JD Vance took Gaetz around Capitol Hill to meet with key senators, and multiple Republicans urged their colleagues to wait for the confirmation hearing before rushing to judgment on any of the allegations against Gaetz. The Department of Justice also investigated Gaetz over alleged sex trafficking, but did not bring any charges against him.

Matt Gaetz Withdraws Name From AG Consideration

After meeting behind closed doors on Wednesday, the House Ethics Committee did not agree to release a report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for attorney general.
Ethics Committee Chair Michael Guest (R-MS) told reporters following the meeting, &#8220;There was not an agreement by the committee to release the report,&#8221; POLITICO <a href="https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/11/20/congress/ethics-panel-does-not-agree-to-release-gaetz-report-00190655" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>. Guest added that the committee agreed to &#8220;reconvene as a committee on Dec. 5 to further consider this matter.&#8221;
The committee&#8217;s investigation into Gaetz is over alleged sexual misconduct, but Guest has said that the report has not yet been finalized. While most of the committee members did not reveal any details about the meeting, the top Democrat on the Ethics Committee, Rep. Susan Wild of Pennsylvania, said that her party did not agree with the decision to withhold the report from the public.
&#8220;I do not want the American public or anyone else to think Mr. Guests’ characterization of what transpired today would be some sort of indication that the committee had unanimity or consensus on this issue not to release the report,&#8221; she said.
Gaetz resigned from Congress shortly after being tapped by Trump for attorney general. Typically, the Ethics Committee drops investigations into members once they are no longer in Congress, but reports have been released on former members at least twice in the past, according to POLITICO.
The former Florida congressman was also the subject of a DOJ sex trafficking investigation, but no charges were brought against him. Some Republican senators — such as Maine&#8217;s Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Kevin Cramer of North Dakota — have <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/matt-gaetz-senate-republicans-attorney-general-donald-trump-1988093" target="_blank" rel="noopener">expressed concerns</a> over Gaetz&#8217;s nomination for attorney general. Gaetz needs a simple Senate majority to be confirmed, and beginning in January, Republicans will hold 53 seats.
&#8220;I said from the beginning that I was shocked by the nomination given the many allegations,&#8221; Collins said, &#8220;But that&#8217;s why it&#8217;s important that the Senate go through its process of making sure that we have a background check, that we have a Senate investigation which involves extensive interviews and questionnaires and then a public hearing.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.amiracist.com/?_gl=1*jtghwp*_gcl_au*ODQ1NjYzNTg2LjE3Mjg5MDk3OTE.*_ga*MTc2NzM0NDQ2NS4xNzI4OTA5Nzkx*_ga_CZKR9ZYKJP*MTczMDEyMDgwOS40OS4xLjE3MzAxMjA4MzkuMzAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+</a>
Vice President-elect JD Vance took Gaetz around Capitol Hill on Wednesday to meet with key senators ahead of his confirmation hearing. After meeting with Vance and Gaetz, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/gop-senator-urges-colleagues-not-to-join-the-lynch-mob-over-gaetz-confirmation-hearing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">urged</a> his Senate colleagues &#8220;not to join the lynch mob&#8221; over Gaetz&#8217;s confirmation hearing.
&#8220;This process will not be a rubber stamp nor will it be driven by a lynch mob,” Graham posted on X. “My record is clear. I tend to defer to presidential cabinet choices unless the evidence suggests disqualification. I fear the process surrounding the Gaetz nomination is turning into an angry mob, and unverified allegations are being treated as if they are true. I have seen this movie before.”

House Ethics Committee Has Not Agreed To Release Report On Gaetz

Sen. <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/josh-hawley" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Josh Hawley</a> (R-MO) urged his GOP colleagues on Wednesday to give President-elect <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Donald Trump</a>&#8216;s Cabinet nominees &#8220;a shot&#8221; and hear them out during confirmation hearings.
Trump has <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-demands-next-gop-senate-leader-allow-recess-appointments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">indicated</a> he wants to use recess appointments to install <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/cabinet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cabinet</a> members, bypassing the typical process of hearings and votes, as not all his picks got a warm reception from Republicans.
But during a Fox News interview, Hawley pushed the view that &#8220;every single one of these nominees needs to have a confirmation hearing as quickly as possible&#8221; and said he plans to support all of them.
&#8220;I would just say to my Senate colleagues, listen, let these guys testify,&#8221; he added. &#8220;Give them a shot. I know some of these Senate GOP folks are saying, ‘Oh I&#8217;ve got concerns.’ That&#8217;s what a hearing is for.&#8221;
Hawley, who was speaking with host Jesse Watters, continued: &#8220;Don&#8217;t go out and bash these people and I tell you: at least allow them to make their case. And listen, I think they&#8217;ve got momentum.&#8221;
One firebrand Cabinet pick in particular — <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/matt-gaetz-resigns-from-congress-following-attorney-general-nomination" target="_blank" rel="noopener">now-former</a> Rep. <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/matt-gaetz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matt Gaetz</a> (R-FL) for the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-nominates-matt-gaetz-for-attorney-general" target="_blank" rel="noopener">attorney general</a> role — has dismayed Democrats and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/13/us/politics/matt-gaetz-attorney-general-senate-republicans.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">even some members</a> of Trump&#8217;s own party.
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Republican senators <a href="https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/nov/20/lindsey-graham-josh-hawley-say-meeting-matt-gaetz-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">met</a> with their colleague, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance (R-OH), and Gaetz earlier in the day as part of the Trump transition team&#8217;s effort to win over their support.
Hawley said he thought the meeting &#8220;went great and it&#8217;s full steam ahead.&#8221; He also dismissed the notion that some Republicans decided to vote against Gaetz even before talking with him.
&#8220;I&#8217;ve read about my colleagues, some of them here in the Senate who say, &#8216;We&#8217;ve got deep concerns.&#8217; Of course I&#8217;m reading all of the slander and garbage in the press,&#8221; Hawley explained.
Hawley said the ruckus over Gaetz, which includes coverage of <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/matt-gaetz-resigns-from-congress-following-attorney-general-nomination" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a House ethics investigation</a> into him, and others is nearly what Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh dealt with as a nominee.
&#8220;The answer to that is let the guy speak,&#8221; Hawley said, adding Gaetz &#8220;deserves to be able to address this himself. He deserves to be able to lay out his vision and the president&#8217;s vision for the DOJ.&#8221;
Hawley argued Trump should be allowed to have a Cabinet that &#8220;reflects his agenda&#8221; and noted that he believes the press and &#8220;the establishment&#8221; despise the breadth of the president-elect&#8217;s coalition.

Sen. Josh Hawley

Hawley To Senate GOP Colleagues: Let Trump’s Cabinet Picks Testify Before Judging

Cabinet

Josh Hawley

Presidential nomination

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) urged his fellow senators on Wednesday to avoid joining an &#8220;angry mob&#8221; during the confirmation process of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) for attorney general.
Graham met with Gaetz and Vice President-elect JD Vance on Wednesday morning. Vance took Gaetz and Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth around Capitol Hill to meet with key senators ahead of their confirmation hearings. Both Gaetz and Hegseth have been viewed as controversial picks, with some Republican senators publicly expressing their concern over Gaetz being tapped to head the Justice Department.
Gaetz, who has been one of President-elect Donald Trump&#8217;s most ardent supporters, was the subject of a DOJ sex trafficking investigation, but no charges were brought against him. The House Ethics Committee is also investigating the Florida Republican for alleged sexual misconduct. Gaetz resigned from Congress immediately after being nominated for attorney general, effectively ending the probe.
For the upcoming confirmation hearing, Graham asked his colleagues to neither &#8220;rubber stamp&#8221; Gaetz nor &#8220;be driven by a lynch mob.&#8221;
&#8220;I had a very good meeting with President Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, Matt Gaetz, and Vice President-elect JD Vance. I am committed to allowing the process to go forward in a manner consistent with past practices and fundamental fairness. This process will not be a rubber stamp nor will it be driven by a lynch mob,&#8221; Graham <a href="https://x.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/1859252754473976025">posted</a> on X. &#8220;My record is clear. I tend to defer to presidential cabinet choices unless the evidence suggests disqualification. I fear the process surrounding the Gaetz nomination is turning into an angry mob, and unverified allegations are being treated as if they are true. I have seen this movie before.&#8221;
&#8220;I would urge all of my Senate colleagues, particularly Republicans, not to join the lynch mob and give the process a chance to move forward. After years of being investigated by the Department of Justice, no charges were brought against Matt Gaetz. This is something we should all remember,&#8221; the South Carolina senator added. &#8220;I would also urge my colleagues to go back to a time-tested process, receive relevant information, and give the nominee a chance to make their case as to why they should be confirmed. This standard – which I have long adhered to – has served the Senate and country well.&#8221;
The House Ethics Committee is <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/11/20/us/trump-news-gaetz#jd-vance-senators-gaetz-hegseth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> gathering on Wednesday afternoon behind closed doors as some on Capitol Hill call on the committee to release what it has on Gaetz. The committee chair, Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS), has not said if he supports releasing any report. Assuming all Democrats on the committee vote to release the information on Gaetz, only one Republican would need to approve, The Hill <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4998829-house-ethics-committee-gaetz-report/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
<a href="https://www.amiracist.com/?_gl=1*jtghwp*_gcl_au*ODQ1NjYzNTg2LjE3Mjg5MDk3OTE.*_ga*MTc2NzM0NDQ2NS4xNzI4OTA5Nzkx*_ga_CZKR9ZYKJP*MTczMDEyMDgwOS40OS4xLjE3MzAxMjA4MzkuMzAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+</a>
“There’s not enough money in the world to pay me to serve on the Ethics Committee right now,” one House Republican said, according to The Hill. “Those members are definitely in an unenviable position.”
Trump <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-nominates-matt-gaetz-for-attorney-general" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nominated</a> the 42-year-old Gaetz for attorney general last week, calling him a &#8220;deeply gifted and tenacious attorney, trained at the William &amp; Mary College of Law, who has distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice.&#8221;
“Matt will root out the systemic corruption at DOJ, and return the Department to its true mission of fighting Crime, and upholding our Democracy and Constitution,” Trump added. “We must have Honesty, Integrity, and Transparency at DOJ. Under Matt’s leadership, all Americans will be proud of the Department of Justice once again.”

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