Former Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, who President-elect Trump has announced as his nominee for attorney general for a second term, is calling Senate Republicans ahead of his confirmation hearing next year.
Several Republican senators told reporters this week that they spoke by phone with Gates after President Trump selected him to lead the Department of Justice (DOJ).
A source told Fox News Digital that the former congressman is “focused on gaining the support of senators for his nomination for attorney general,” and noted that he is “on the phone.” .
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Congressman Matt Gaetz speaks at the Republican National Convention on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Reuters/Mike Seeger)
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) said Monday night that he spoke with Gaetz a few days ago. “He called me,” he said. “It's a very short conversation.”
The senators did not reveal additional information about their call. Mr. Mullin and Mr. Gaetz have had a tense relationship in the past, and the senator has lashed out at him. interview At the time, allegations were raised that he had slept with an underage girl.
“There's a reason why no one in the room came to his defense, because we all saw the videos he was showing on the floor of the House of Commons… of the girls he slept with. He was bragging about how he would crush it.” [erectile dysfunction] I took medication and pushed myself with energy drinks so I could get through the night,” he said at the time.
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Marin and Gates had a strained relationship. (Tom Williams/Al Drago)
Mr. Gates denied Mr. Marin's claims. Mr. Gates has not been convicted of any crime related to these allegations. He was previously under a year-long investigation by the Justice Department for allegedly having sexual relations with a minor. However, the Justice Department ultimately decided not to file any charges.
The comments, which came as former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was being ousted, were partially credited with Gaetz's work.
Marin recently said: NBC's “Meet the Press” The Senate should “absolutely” have access to the House ethics report, which investigated allegations against Gaetz, including sexual misconduct, illegal drug use and acceptance of inappropriate gifts.
Not all Republican senators have gone that far, and there is much ambiguity about whether senators should see the report or whether they will ultimately see it during their confirmation hearings.
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Hawley said he spoke with Gaetz. (AP)
Mullin, a close ally of President Trump in the Senate, said he had not discussed Gaetz's choice with the president-elect.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) said he also spoke with Gaetz. “I had a nice conversation with Matt Gaetz over the weekend,” he revealed on Monday. “He wants to have a chance to clear his name at a hearing, and I think that's a great idea.”
“And I think we should have a public hearing. I think we should move to a public hearing as soon as possible in the new Congress.”
“The other day, before I left for the weekend, I don't know if it was 10:30 or 11, Congressman Gates called me and I congratulated him and he said, 'What about the Senate?' said Sen. John Kennedy (R-Louisiana).
“And I said, 'Of course. Come on, come and fill out all the questionnaires and tell us the truth and tell us your plans for the agency. I'm looking forward to it, and I hope so too.”
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Mr. Kennedy said Mr. Gaetz called him. (Andrew Haller/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
President Kennedy said that while the talks took place quickly, there were no plans yet for the two sides to meet in person.
Sources told Fox News Digital that Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will visit the Capitol this week and meet with key Republican senators and Trump Cabinet nominees Gaetz and Pete Hegseth. It is said that a meeting is planned. Operate the Department of Defense (DOD)
“President Trump’s incoming administration is working on an accelerated schedule to successfully advance the confirmation of key nominees to begin serving the American people. (Department of Defense), Rep. Pete Hegseth (Department of Defense), and Rep. Stefanik (United Nations) will begin talks this week, with additional visits by Mr. Hill expected to continue after the Thanksgiving recess.'' spokesperson Brian Hughes said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
Gates faces an uphill battle for potential Senate confirmation. That's because it only takes a few Republican votes to reject Gates. Senate Republicans will only have a 53-member majority next year, and several Republican senators have already expressed concerns about Gaetz.
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“He will never be confirmed,” a Republican senator who spoke freely on condition of anonymity told Fox News Digital after Trump's selection became clear.
One Senate Republican official said only, “I don't think it will happen.”
