WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump's selection for attorney general, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, is facing significant scrutiny due to his involvement in a sex trafficking investigation by the very Justice Department he is now poised to lead. Gaetz, who has also been investigated by the House Ethics Committee for allegations of sexual misconduct, resigned from Congress on Wednesday, effectively ending the probe into his actions.A staunch ally of Trump, Gaetz has been at the center of numerous controversies, raising doubts about his confirmation as the nation's top law enforcement official. Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, including claims of involvement in a sex trafficking scheme involving underage girls, asserting that the Justice Department's investigation ended without federal charges.If confirmed, Gaetz would be responsible for overseeing the Justice Department during a period of intense scrutiny, especially following Trump's repeated attacks on the department. The president has expressed anger over two criminal cases brought against him: one accusing him of attempting to overturn the 2020 election and the other involving the mishandling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Trump, who has framed these legal battles as politically motivated, promised to exact retribution on his enemies should he return to office.The announcement of Gaetz’s selection sent shockwaves through the ranks of House Republicans. While some Republican lawmakers, such as Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho, questioned whether Gaetz could secure Senate confirmation, others like Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska expressed doubt about Gaetz's credibility as a candidate.Although it is unlikely that Gaetz would be confirmed in time to oversee special counsel Jack Smith’s ongoing investigations—both of which are expected to conclude before Trump takes office—Smith is anticipated to leave his position, potentially releasing public reports on his work. It is unclear when these reports might be made available.In a statement released Wednesday, Trump said Gaetz would work to root out "systemic corruption" at the Justice Department and return it to its "true mission" of fighting crime and upholding the Constitution. On social media, Gaetz expressed enthusiasm, stating, "It will be an honor to serve as President Trump's Attorney General."In a post hours before the announcement, Gaetz further vowed to take aggressive action against what he described as a "weaponized government," suggesting the abolition of federal agencies like the FBI and ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) should be on the table. If confirmed, Gaetz would oversee both agencies.The reaction from some Republicans has been one of skepticism, with concerns about whether Gaetz can secure the votes needed for confirmation, especially given his controversial history.
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