Trump's unexpected Attorney General pick leaves Washington insiders stunned
Former president picks controversial Florida lawmaker to lead Justice Department despite lacking traditional credentials. Decision signals major shift in DOJ leadership approach
In a move that shook Washingtonʼs legal community Donald Trump named Florida congressman Matt Gaetz as his pick for Attorney General - a decision that left many Justice Department staffers un-easy about their future
The selection of Gaetz (who has zero prosecutorial experience) created waves through-out the department: especially since several well-known legal experts were passed over for the position. Many DOJ workers dont know what to expect from someone who has been openly critical of the agency
The timing of this choice appears significant since Gaetz faced scrutiny in early-20s from the same department he might lead; this fact combined with his fierce defense of Trump during previous investigations makes the selection particularly note-worthy. Legal experts point out that this appointment breaks with the traditional pattern of choosing seasoned prosecutors or judges for the nations top law-enforcement post
Multiple sources inside the department expressed worry about the future direction of various on-going investigations‚ given Gaetzʼs public statements against current DOJ policies. The congressmanʼs appointment (which needs Senate confirmation) suggests Trumpʼs preference for allies who share his views on re-shaping federal law enforcement
