Almost without regard to party, various politicians in Washington were left stunned by Donald Trump’s latest proposed nomination of Matt Gaetz as Attorney General, a position that includes oversight of agencies such as the FBI, ATF, and the DEA among a few other. President-elect Donald Trump was always going to nominate someone 100%  “loyal” – that was inevitable, the shock is owing to the fact that so many perceive Gaetz as unequivocally unqualified. Indeed, it seems so obvious that Gaetz would not be confirmed by the Senate (Imagine the questions at that hearing), talk immediately turned to the possibility that Trump would exclusively use recess appointments to stock his cabinet.

Morning Joe highlighted an interview of Sen. Markwayne Mullin – a staunch Trump ally in the U.S. Senate who spoke to Gaetz’s character regarding him showing homemade video on the House floor of Gaetz partying with extremely young women, mentioning downing “an energy drink” to go all night. Mullin looked shocked and disappointed, despite his near-perfect MAGA bona fides.

And then there is this as an anecdote about Gaetz’s past conduct:

As for whether Mullin would vote to approve Gaetz for the position, he cleverly weaved around the question by stating that he fully trusted Trump’s decision-making on the nomination but then went on to imply that Gaetz would have a real tough time in the Senate, while not saying how he might vote:

Indeed, there is less talk about Gaetz being unqualified than there is about the fear of unilaterally using the recess appointment noted above. Per quotes gathered by Rawstory’s original reporting, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy talked to CNN’s Jake Tapper about the dangers inherent to the exclusive use of recess appointments and Trump’s demand for a Senate Majority leader who would put the Senate into recess to allow the appointment:

“That would be the end of the United States Senate. If the Senate chooses to end its power of advice and consent and just allow the president to choose without any input, confirmation process, or approval of his cabinet — I don’t know why we would show up to work. That’s not a democracy anymore.”

Even some House Republicans jumped in to assert that there was no way that Gaetz would be considered for what is perhaps the most powerful cabinet post. As stated by GOP Rep. Max Miller:

Somewhat shockingly, Sen. Lindsey Graham – one of the more respected members of the GOP Senate, managed to support Matt Gaetz’s nomination but also cleverly avoiding the question as to whether he would vote to confirm Gaetz:

To be sure, Donald Trump and Gaetz have staunch supporters at the highest levels. Sen. Tommy Tuberville launched this ominous warning to his fellow Republicans in the Senate.

And back to talk about possible recess appointments. It is very hard to determine whether Rep. Thomas Massie supports Gaetz and recess appointments or is resigned to the whole matter:

In wrapping this up, look for the long knives to come out as a means to stop or at least slow down the appointment. Without regard to what is said on camera, Gaetz resigned just ahead of the possible release of the House investigation into him – an investigation that is bipartisan but is under control of a GOP majority in the House. Such a report might contain some daggers. It is possible that the resignation makes the investigation moot and thus buried without official release. Which doesn’t mean that some of it might leak. Remember, there are many GOP Representatives that did not appreciate Gaetz’s actions in dumping then Speaker Mike McCarthy:

We will see. For now it would seem that people of both parties are simply recovering and establishing their position, many without positioning themselves on their exact vote.

God Bless: I can be reached at [email protected] and @JasonMiciak

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6 COMMENTS

  2. There is no need for any votes, any confirmations, etc. as the video above stated “he’s attorney general. Suck it up”. Well come to the divided states of kakistocracy

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  3. “Indeed, it seems so obvious that Gaetz would not be confirmed by the Senate (Imagine the questions at that hearing), talk immediately turned to the possibility that Trump would exclusively use recess appointments to stock his cabinet.”

    Trump can try but ALL members of the Cabinet MUST be approved by the Senate. He can name all the people he wants during a “recess” but as soon as the Senate resumes session, they are obligated by the Constitution to formally approve those appointments.

    Given that we’re stuck with a GOP-controlled Senate, it may just go ahead and allow the appointments to be approved but there will have to be a formal vote.

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  4. Matt the privileged drunk pedophile resigns two days ahead of the house investigation report which even the gop members say shows he’s a sleazeball. He quits. Report buried. Of course, look at his boss…America is fine with a serial rapist, and a large number of other evil acts. Moral country??? That’s as rich as Hitler claiming he was a Christian, i.e., a followers of the man who preached the golden rule. I studied with scholars and missed the part about mass murder. Maybe I should reread it. America…what a crock, but evidently we like being evil greedy racists and religious hypocrites. The evidence is in and we are guilty.

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  5. Bratty Matty only got elected because Daddy was,a former state Senator who is also filthy rich. In Pensacola that is perfection. I lived in the area for 5 years. After the Navy and Air Force, the next largest employer is Mac Donald’s. That says everything.

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