Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., resigned from the House of Representatives on Wednesday, surprising House GOP leaders who were caught off guard by the immediate notice. Gaetz’s resignation came on the same day President-elect Donald Trump tapped him to be his attorney general. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., announced the resignation and mentioned that Florida state law allowed Governor Ron DeSantis about an eight-week period to fill the House vacancy, possibly as early as Jan. 3. Gaetz’s resignation was seen as a move to prevent too many absences and ensure a smooth transition for his potential appointment as attorney general.
Johnson revealed that Trump had informed him of his decision to tap Gaetz for the Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier on the same Wednesday morning. This appointment would make Gaetz the third House Republican chosen by Trump for his new administration, following Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla. Gaetz faces concerns about his appointment due to his outspoken personality and a previous yearlong DOJ investigation into accusations of a sexual relationship with a minor, though ultimately no charges were filed. Some Republican senators have already expressed doubts about Gaetz’s confirmation, highlighting the potential obstacles he may face in securing the position.
Despite the concerns raised by some Republican senators, Trump praised Gaetz as a “deeply gifted and tenacious attorney” who would bring positive changes to the Department of Justice. House GOP leaders, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., also lauded the appointment, expressing confidence in Gaetz’s abilities. The announcement of Gaetz’s nomination came during House Republicans’ leadership elections, causing a stir among lawmakers with “audible gasps” in the room. Gaetz’s resignation from the House is seen as a strategic move to alleviate concerns about thinning out the House GOP majority in the upcoming Congress.
As Gaetz’s resignation creates a vacancy in the House, Johnson mentioned that he had already been in contact with Governor DeSantis to address the matter. The eight-week period allowed by Florida state law for filling the House vacancy would enable a swift transition and potentially have the seat filled as early as Jan. 3. Gaetz’s decision to resign immediately was seen as a move to prevent any disruptions in House proceedings and expedite the process of appointing a replacement. Trump’s choice of Gaetz for the attorney general position, along with other House Republican appointments for key roles in his administration, has raised concerns among some senators about the challenges Gaetz may face in the confirmation process.
The potential confirmation of Gaetz as attorney general has sparked debates among Republican senators, with some expressing doubts about his ability to secure the position. Despite concerns raised by some senators about his past and outspoken nature, Gaetz’s nomination has received support from Trump and House GOP leaders. The swift resignation and nomination process following Gaetz’s announcement have set the stage for a potentially contentious confirmation process as he seeks to become the nation’s top law enforcement officer. Gaetz’s resignation from the House was seen as a necessary step to pave the way for his potential appointment to a key position in the Trump administration, though challenges may lie ahead in the confirmation process.
