President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he has nominated Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) as US Attorney General and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) as Director of National Intelligence, adding to his growing coalition of bipartisan allies.
Known for his loyalty to Trump, Gaetz has been a staunch critic of the Justice Department, and his nomination is expected to face significant opposition due to past accusations of misconduct, as well as his controversial statements about the outcome of the 2020 election and his role in ousting former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
“Matt is a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney, trained at the William & Mary College of Law, who has distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice,” Trump said of Gatez in a statement announcing the surprising nomination. “On the House Judiciary Committee, which performs oversight of DOJ, Matt played a key role in defeating the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, and exposing alarming and systemic Government Corruption and Weaponization.”
“Matt will root out the systemic corruption at DOJ, and return the Department to its true mission of fighting Crime, and upholding our Democracy and Constitution,” he continued. “We must have Honesty, Integrity, and Transparency at DOJ. Under Matt’s leadership, all Americans will be proud of the Department of Justice once again.”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2024
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At the same time, Trump announced that Gabbard, a former Democrat, would also be joining his administration.
Trump praised Gabbard’s two decades of service and her commitment to constitutional rights and national security, highlighting her personal service to the country in the US military.
“As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties – She is now a proud Republican!” he noted. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace through Strength. Tulsi will make us all proud!”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2024
Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022 and became a Republican earlier this year, endorsed Trump during his recent campaign and joined his transition team. Her notable moments in Congress included opposing US military actions abroad and meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. This appointment reflects an unusual alignment between Trump and Gabbard, who previously ran for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Both nominations are likely to undergo intense scrutiny and possible confirmation battles in the Senate.
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