President-elect Trump has not reconsidered his nomination of Matt Gaetz to be attorney general, despite criticism and the uphill battle the former congressman will face in confirmation hearings next year.
President Trump was in Boca Chica, Texas, to watch the sixth test flight of SpaceX's Starship rocket when he was asked about Gates.
“Mr. President, are you reconsidering the nomination of Matt Gaetz?” Trump was asked.
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Potential Release of the Ethics Committee Report on Gates
President-elect Trump arrives before the launch of the SpaceX Starship rocket's sixth test flight, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, in Boca Chica, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Pool, via AP)
Trump answered “no” and left.
He did not answer questions about how far he would go to get Gates' approval.
Gaetz's nomination has come under fire because of a years-long investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use against him. He was previously investigated by the Justice Department, which decided not to pursue any pending charges.
The Florida Republican resigned last week, hours after being named President Trump's attorney general.
The House Ethics Committee investigation into Gates began in 2021. The commission was scheduled to release a report on the allegations, but the resignation changed things.
Matt Gaetz faces Republican Senate opposition after Trump picks him as attorney general
When asked about the investigation, House Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest (R-Miss.) said, “A report will be released once the investigation is complete, but at that point Gaetz is still a member of Congress.'' It is assumed that.” .
“If Mr. Gates resigns as attorney general because he is on the side of the administration, at that point the Ethics Commission will lose jurisdiction. If it loses jurisdiction, the report will no longer be issued. That's not the case.” is unique to. ”
President-elect Trump and Matt Gaetz (Getty Images)
Gates is calling Senate Republicans to ensure his confirmation. It would only take a few Republican votes to disown him.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Several Republican senators have expressed concerns about Gaetz, and the Senate's Republican majority is expected to remain between 53 and 47 seats next year.
