CNN senior legal analyst Ellie Honig argued Thursday that Republican Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz is “completely unqualified” to serve as attorney general in President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration.
President Trump announced in a statement Wednesday in Truth Social magazine that he has nominated Gaetz to be his next attorney general. During a panel discussion about Trump's appointment, Honig argued that the Florida congressman has no experience as a prosecutor and has spent little time practicing law.
“For me, Gates' nomination tells us something bigger about what Donald Trump is trying to do,” Honig said. “So, let's start with this premise. If anyone disagrees, let me know. Matt Gaetz is woefully unqualified to be attorney general of the United States… He has barely practiced law in several years, I haven’t been a government official for a day.”
Scott Jennings, CNN's senior political commentator, said many government officials are being given roles for which they are not qualified on paper, and who are nominated by the president and filled if the Senate confirms them. He further argued that he was qualified.
Honig argued that Gaetz was nominated solely out of loyalty to Trump. biography There, he touts himself as an ardent supporter of the president-elect. Other members of the committee agreed that the main qualification for receiving nominations and Cabinet positions is to demonstrate loyalty to President Trump. (Related article: 'A disaster for American democracy': Liberals collapse after Trump nominates Matt Gaetz as attorney general)
“Yes, elections have consequences, and you participate in elections to elect your own people, but just on paper… you're not eligible,” Honig continued. “So why? Why would you nominate someone who is not qualified? I think you saw the clip. [Kasie Hunt] I just played a clip of him saying, “I'm going to blow it up.” [Drug Enforcement Administration]he doesn't even know what that means, “eliminate the DEA.” Do we care about drug law enforcement at the border? He's insane, but why would Trump choose someone who is insane himself?”
CNN Chief State Correspondent Jeff Zeleny responded, “Because he's qualified in one respect to be loyal to the president. That's the first qualification of this new administration.”
Jennings also said President Trump nominated Gaetz to test his strength among Senate Republicans, as it will likely be more difficult for the president-elect to win House approval for his agenda. he pointed out.
Gates was the subject of a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation involving Seminole County, Florida. Tax Collector Joel Greenberg's claims are that the congressman paid him to arrange sexual encounters with young women through Venmo, but Greenberg did not commit sex acts against minors in May 2021. That was not part of his plea deal when he pleaded guilty to charges of human trafficking, identity theft, and fraud. The Justice Department announced in February 2023 that Gaetz would not be indicted on any charges related to Greenberg's allegations.
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