Gaetz for Attorney General? McCarthy’s Skepticism Hints at Tough Road Ahead

Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) expressed doubts about the confirmation chances of former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) as President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for attorney general. 

Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg Television McCarthy said that although Trump’s recent Cabinet picks are mostly strong, he thinks Gaetz is unlikely to get through the Senate confirmation process.

McCarthy said, “Look, Gaetz won’t get confirmed. Everybody knows that.”

When asked why Trump would nominate Gaetz if his confirmation was doubtful McCarthy suggested it might be a strategic move on Trump’s part but did not go into detail only saying, “I’ll let it stand at that.”

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McCarthy and Gaetz have a history of tension. Last year Gaetz played a key role in pushing McCarthy out of his Speaker role. Since then McCarthy has been vocal about his concerns with Gaetz and previously supported efforts to challenge Gaetz in his district primary.

This announcement of Trump for Gaetz as his choice for attorney general has stirred reactions among Senate Republicans some of whom were reportedly caught off guard by the pick. Concerns have surfaced over past controversies about Gaetz including a Justice Department investigation into allegations involving a minor. The investigation was closed last year without charges, and Gaetz has consistently denied the claims. However these past issues may still factor into the Senate’s confirmation decision.

This highlights the ongoing divisions within the GOP and raises questions about the upcoming Cabinet lineup in Trump 2.0.