JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Will the last Florida Republican to leave Congress for the Trump administration please turn out the lights?
This is a lesson from the President-elect Donald Trump’s slam-dunk selection Panhandle Representative Matt Gaetz for his second term as Attorney General.
Unlike his first-term AGs, Jeff Sessions and Bill Barr, there is no doubt where the oft-quoted congressman falls with his legal and political philosophies.
He is Donald Trump’s pit-bull protector from beginning to end, in good times, bad times, and everything in between.
For example, at the low point of prestige for Trump, as Republicans prepared to begin what some considered a truly post-Trump era, Gaetz proposed making the former president House Speaker in 2022. Put pressure on.
In the just-concluded campaign, Gaetz promised at a July rally that he would be the president’s “strongest defender in Congress.”
That’s a promise the pompous legal eagle won’t be able to keep, as he defends the president and the reforms he wants to enact on the national stage.
And unlike previous people in office under Trump, he will crawl on broken glass if necessary to serve a full four years.
Gaetz’s ascension means the era of legal action against the president is over forever.
There is no hesitation in praising the Florida Republican as a “conservative warrior who will end the weaponization of our government, protect our borders, and restore trust in our Justice Department.”
Gaetz has certainly been subject to that weaponization himself, with the Justice Department smearing his name a few years ago and accusing him of a scandal involving inappropriate sexual conduct.
The drip, drip, drip of leaks was aimed at ruining him, trying him in the media and denying him due process and the ability to respond to his accusers, who lacked credibility.
Now, an example of how politics is full circle is that he is the President-elect’s choice for the chief legal officer in the country.
Gaetz had no vocal allies during his time in the wilderness, including the man who was elected governor of Florida in 2018: Ron DeSantis.
At the time, Gaetz was a canvasser for DeSantis’ campaign as the future governor fielded a primary challenger and then fought a tough battle against Democrat Andrew Gillum. Gaetz traveled with the then-congressman around the state to various events, participated in at least one debate with him, and also coached him for debates.
Among the points of advice for DeSantis: Be “likeable” and not “condescending.” Really good advice!
His reward was a spot on DeSantis’ transition team. so just like Trump Chief of Staff Susie Wills – described by the President as “the most powerful woman in the world” on Wednesday – was unceremoniously removed from office.
But when DeSantis actively tried to destroy Wills, he repeatedly lashed out at Gaetz.
Asked about Gaetz’s legal issues years ago, when they were most prominent, DeSantis said he had “nothing to say” about them — he was not defending the man who accused him of primetime. Was prepared for.
And in 2023, DeSantis complained of being “uncomfortable” with Gaetz’s “fundraising” effort to oust Wet-Noodle House Chairman Kevin McCarthy.
Some gratitude!
Gaetz’s selection is the latest high-profile Florida selection to date, joining Assemblyman Mike Waltz of Panama City Beach, who will Advise Trump on national securityand marco rubio, who will be the Secretary of State,
And it’s arguable that Gaetz would be the first AG who is ready for the 21st century, a stark contrast to the wax figures first installed by Trump, as well as the Merrick Garlands of the world.
On issues like cannabis legalization and other libertarian matters, the congressman is an outspoken, vigorous reformer, a small-government conservative who would privilege people’s rights over the federal leviathan.
He’s the latest sign of the president-elect’s big-tent approach to Trump 2.0. And he will be a transformative force in an office that is often filled with people who are forgettable at best and out of touch with the wishes of ordinary Americans at best.
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