Matt Gaetz resigns from Congress after Donald Trump picks him as AG
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., surprised Washington by resigning from Congress on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. The resignation came just hours after President-elect Donald Trump announced Gaetz as his pick for attorney general. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., confirmed the news, noting that Gaetz’s resignation was effective immediately. “I think out of deference to us, he issued his resignation letter effective immediately,” Johnson told reporters. “It caught us by surprise a little bit. But I asked him what the reasoning was, and he said, well, you can’t have too many absences.”
The news stirred Capitol Hill, where Gaetz’s departure leaves a noticeable gap in the House Republican majority. Johnson shared that under Florida law, the governor has approximately eight weeks to fill a House vacancy. Johnson expressed optimism that a replacement might be in place as early as January 3, adding that he is already in communication with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to ensure a timely replacement.
Gaetz’s resignation and Trump’s choice have sparked mixed reactions. While the move allows the House GOP to fill his seat before the next Congress begins, it raises questions about Gaetz’s prospects of being confirmed as attorney general. Gaetz’s selection marks the third House Republican picked for Trump’s administration, following Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., for National Security Adviser. Trump’s selections have sparked discussions on whether House Republicans will have the numbers they need to maintain a strong majority.
Although Gaetz’s early departure could lessen concerns about GOP members leaving the House for administration roles, his path to becoming attorney general may be challenging. Unlike Stefanik and Waltz, Gaetz has faced controversies in the past that complicate his confirmation prospects. The Senate must confirm the attorney general role, and some Republican senators have expressed unease. A previous Department of Justice investigation examined allegations against Gaetz related to an alleged relationship with a minor, though no charges were filed. Despite the outcome, lingering concerns have prompted some senators to question whether he is suitable for the role.
An anonymous Republican senator, speaking with Fox News Digital, doubted Gaetz’s ability to be confirmed. “He will never get confirmed,” the senator stated. Another source was similarly doubtful, adding, “Ain’t gonna happen.” These reservations highlight the uphill battle Gaetz faces in securing the confirmation he needs to lead the Department of Justice.
The announcement was made public during House GOP leadership elections. According to a source from Fox News Digital, the news prompted “audible gasps” among lawmakers as it was announced. The timing and unexpected nature of Gaetz’s resignation fueled surprise, as members reacted to the sudden shift in the GOP’s leadership dynamics.
President-elect Trump praised Gaetz when nominating him, describing the Florida representative as “a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney” who he believes can restore public confidence in the Justice Department. Trump’s statement outlined Gaetz’s intended priorities: ending what he calls “Weaponized Government,” strengthening border security, dismantling criminal organizations, and restoring Americans’ faith in the justice system.
Since the announcement, some top House Republicans, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., have expressed support for Gaetz’s nomination. Scalise commended Trump’s decision, emphasizing Gaetz’s determination and skills as a conservative leader.
However, the former attorney general, Merrick Garland, remains in the position until Trump’s administration officially takes office. Gaetz’s supporters hope that his fierce commitment to conservative ideals will help him navigate Senate confirmation challenges. However, skeptics within both parties question whether his bold personality and history of outspoken criticism might hinder his ability to unite the Department of Justice under his leadership.
For now, the House GOP is focused on filling Gaetz’s seat and maintaining stability ahead of the new Congress. The coming weeks will reveal whether Gaetz’s nomination can clear the Senate and whether his departure from Congress has broader implications for Republican unity in the House.
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