Key Takeaways:
– Republican lawyer Boris Epshteyn influenced President-elect Trump to pick Matt Gaetz as attorney general.
– Gaetz quit Congress after being chosen. He served four terms as a representative for Florida’s 1st congressional district.
– The plan to nominate Gaetz unfolded mere hours before the announcement.
– Trump recently appointed Susan Wiles his chief of staff. Her selection has eased some concerns about Trump’s initial intentions as president-elect.
Trump Appoints Gaetz as Attorney General
In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump has picked Matt Gaetz for the position of attorney general. Gaetz’s appointment came immediately after he left his congressional post where he represented Florida’s 1st district for four terms.
Epshteyn’s Influence on the Selection
Boris Epshteyn, a Republican lawyer, played a significant role in lobbying for Gaetz’s appointment. Despite facing felony charges linked to his attempts to overturn Arizona’s electoral vote for Trump in 2020, Epshteyn continues to hold significant sway in Trump’s political decisions.
According to reports, the plan to appoint Gaetz was conceived on Trump’s plane going to Washington. Epshteyn, a passenger on the flight, proposed the idea of Gaetz for the role. In fact, the decision came to light just hours before it was to be announced publicly.
Susan Wiles: Trump’s New Chief of Staff
Around the same time, Trump selected Susan Wiles as his chief of staff. Appointing Wiles to the role marks a milestone as she is the first female in U.S. history to secure the title. Her selection came as a relief for many who were anxious about Trump’s initial intentions as president-elect.
Wiles has earned a reputation for running what has been described as a disciplined and strategic campaign for Trump, managing to keep many fringe voices at a distance during the campaign. One of her primary duties during the campaign was to manage the passenger list for Trump’s private plane—a task that often required her to act as a gatekeeper for the former president.
Despite her position, Wiles was reportedly unaware of the plan to appoint Gaetz as attorney general as it was formulated on the plane. She was said to have been in a separate, nearby room when the conversation occurred.
The Controversy Behind Gaetz’s Appointment
The decision to select Gaetz as attorney general has stirred contentious discussions. While some view him as a loyal, long-term adviser and stalwart debater, he is also seen as an aggrieved target of federal authorities. Regardless, with Gaetz confirmed for the role, it is uncertain what this could mean for the future workings of the Department of Justice.
In summary, this recent development has caused quite a stir in political circles. With Trump’s interesting choice for attorney general and newly appointed chief of staff, the presidential-elect’s administration is turning out to be untraditional to say the least. Distinct reactions are pouring in from all corners, and the coming days are sure to bring further revelations and analyses in response to these controversial appointments.