US President-elect Donald Trump named right-wing Florida lawmaker Matt Gaetz as his attorney general Wednesday, rewarding the loyalty of a staunch ally who has defended the Republican in his legal battles and impeachment fights.
“Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System. Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations, and restore Americans’ badly shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department,” Trump said on Truth Social.
Gaetz is a surprise choice for the post and comes as the president-elect has vowed to overhaul the US justice department in retaliation for the criminal investigations launched against him by federal prosecutors in recent years.
Gaetz was previously under investigation by the US House of Representatives for alleged ethics breaches.