President-elect Trump's latest pick for his administration faced immediate opposition from some within the Senate Republican Party, with his nominee for attorney general, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), not being confirmed. There is a view that
“He will never be confirmed,” a Republican senator who was granted anonymity to speak freely told Fox News Digital.
One Senate Republican official said only, “I don't think it will happen,” regarding the prospects for Gates' confirmation.
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Republicans told Fox News Digital that Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida will not be confirmed. (Aaron Schwartz/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Gates' office told Fox News Digital that in response to Gates' response to X, “It would be an honor to serve as President Trump's attorney general!” He did not comment on Republican criticism of his possible confirmation.
“I think any nominee by the president needs to be seriously considered, but there is also a constitutional responsibility,” Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) told reporters.
Asked whether the ongoing House ethics investigation into Gaetz would factor into his confirmation, the senator said, “That's a possibility.”
The charges being investigated by the commission include sexual misconduct, illegal drug use and receiving inappropriate gifts.
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President-elect Trump announced his selection of Gaetz on Wednesday. (Getty)
In response to Gates' announcement of his pick for attorney general, Representative Michael Guest (R), chairman of the Ethics Committee, said, “Once a member is no longer a member, ethics has no jurisdiction. That's why Matt is president. If I were to take office,” he said. Gates was to be appointed attorney general in charge of ethics investigations. [which] Any services currently in progress will be terminated at that time. ”
But Senate Republicans did not explicitly support it. “He is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee,” Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) acknowledged. “Obviously the president has the right to nominate whomever he wants, but that's why FBI background checks, the Senate advice and consent process, and public hearings are so important.”
“He'll go through the nomination process like everyone else,” said Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.).
Asked about Trump's choice, Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) told reporters, “I can't say anything about that.”
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Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) noted the importance of Senate advice and consent on nominations. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
Sen. Mike Rounds (R.S.D.) said, “I can tell you right now that while we always give the president the benefit of the doubt, we still have to do our part from a due diligence standpoint.'' ” he said. When asked if he would vote to support Gaetz.
In addition to the ethics investigation, Gates was at one point under a year-long investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) into sex trafficking allegations. But last year, Gates' office announced that the Justice Department had concluded its investigation and determined that Gates would not be charged with any crimes.
Republicans are likely not to confirm Gaetz, who is controversial within the party, but President Trump may consider appointing him through a recess appointment. The president-elect appealed to Senate Republican leadership candidates earlier this week that they needed to agree to allow such appointments.
Republicans will meet behind closed doors on Wednesday to choose McConnell's successor.
Sen. John Thune (R.S.D.) did not respond to President Trump's request for an appointment during the recess. (Eric Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R.S.D., who won Wednesday morning's leadership election, signaled his acceptance in an exclusive statement to FOX News Digital. But he didn't commit to it.
“We must take swift and decisive action to place the presidential cabinet and other nominees as soon as possible and begin carrying out the tasks assigned to us. , all options are on the table, including recess appointments,'' he said.
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According to the Congressional Research Service, if Mr. Trump is successful in appointing Cabinet members during the recess, he could serve in them for nearly two years. This appointment shall expire at the adjournment of the next Congress after the adjournment.
According to recent reports, “recess appointments will expire at the end of the next Senate session.” CRS report. “As a result, recess appointments can last less than a year or closer to two years, depending on when they are appointed.”
