Matt Gaetzs politically connected father was surprised when Donald Trump chose his son to be the next US attorney general, it has emerged.
Don Gaetz, affectionately known as Papa Gaetz, told Politico that Matt was not seeking the job of Attorney General when he was offered the role last week.
The Florida state senator claimed he and his wife Vicky Gaetz had no prior warning about their sons new job until he called them and said the president just offered me the attorney generalship.
Trumps selection of Gaetz as the top law enforcement official in the land sent shockwaves across the nation, with many suggesting he is underqualified for the role. Others have cited ethics concerns.
Gaetz, a close Trump ally and MAGA firebrand who has taken aim at both GOP House members and Democrats alike, has been accused of - and adamantly denied - having years earlier paid for sex with a then 17-year-old girl.
He was also being probed for alleged illicit drug use, converting campaign funds for personal use, sharing inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, and other alleged misconduct.
Almost immediately after the President-elects stunning nomination Gaetz resigned his House of Representatives seat, effectively ending the ethics probe against him.
Despite the scrutiny surrounding Gaetzs nomination, Don believes that his son will withstand the bitter confirmation battle that will soon be under way.
Don Gaetz,(left in April 2020) affectionately known as Papa Gaetz, was surprised when Donald Trump chose his son Matt Gaetz (right) to be the next US attorney general
Donald Trump, pictured with Matt Gaetz in 2019, offered him the role last week. Don has now revealed that Matt was not seeking the job, adding that the family was shocked by the news
Confirmation is always a dice roll, Don told Politico. Some people are more natural at confirmation. Typically a sitting senator finds it easier to be confirmed. Someone who is way outside may find it harder.
He went on to hail his son also being someone who always looked for an opportunity to be an advocate for the issues he cares about, highlighting how Gaetz is a strong supporter of Trump and harsh critic of Biden-Harris administration.
The Florida lawmaker also tried to diminish the sex trafficking allegations against his son, which he branded as fraudulent and politically motivated.
Matt has been investigated by the House Ethics Committee, the Department of Justice, the Federal Elections Commission and probably the Rotary Club, he told the newspaper.
Hes been investigated by everyone for more than two years and theres never been any reason to be charged with anything and hes denied all these fraudulent politically motivated allegations.
Don further claimed Gaetzs abrupt resignation from Congress last Wednesday was his effort at helping ensure Republicans maintain their majority in the House.
He claimed that Gaetz and Reps. Michael Waltz and Elise Stefanik, who were also selected for positions in the incoming White House administration, are staggering their resignations.
Matt Gaetz and his wife Ginger Luckey Gaetz are pictured at the America First Policy Institute Gala held at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate on November 14, 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida
Critics say that as attorney general Matt Gaetz (pictured at a MAGA rally last month) would likely drop several criminal cases against the former president and try to file bogus charges against perceived Trump opponents
Trump has frequently jousted with the Justice Department, and critics say that as attorney general Gaetz would likely drop several criminal cases against the former president and try to file bogus charges against perceived Trump opponents.
Gaetz was known as a disruptor who earned the enmity of some House colleagues, including by engineering the ouster of Johnsons predecessor and fellow Republican Kevin McCarthy.
But lawmakers from both parties have voiced concerns over his nomination and have called on the House Ethics Committee to still release its report.
Even some GOP senators have said their constitutional role in reviewing nominations means they need access to all relevant information.
Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma told NBC that the report absolutely should be released to the Senate at least, although he stopped short of saying the public should see it.
I believe the Senate should have access to that now, he said, adding that Gaetz would be given the same chances well give all President Trumps appointees.
One Democratic senator, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, said Sunday that while he would be excited to confirm some Trump appointees, Theres others that are just absolute trolls, just like Gaetz.
Johnson said days ago that as House speaker he should not put his thumb on the scale of the ethics committees decision. But his message Sunday was different.
Senators, he said, would have a rigorous review and vetting process... But they dont need to rely upon a report or a draft report or a rough draft report that was prepared by the ethics committee for its very limited purposes.
President Donald Trump takes a selfie with Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., in the House chamber after Trumps State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on January 30, 2018
Senator-elect Adam Schiff, a Democrat and frequent Trump critic who is a regular target of the former presidents wrath, also made a case against Gaetz.
I think hes not only unqualified, he is really disqualified, he told CNN on Sunday.
Are we really going to have an attorney general who, theres credible allegations (that) he was involved in child sex trafficking, potential illicit drug use, obstruction of an investigation? Who has no experience serving in the Justice Department -- only being investigated by it?
But US House speaker Mike Johnson has insisted that the chambers ethics committee should not release the report on Gatezs alleged sexual improprieties.
It should not come out, Johnson told CNN. And why? Because Matt Gaetz resigned from Congress. He is no longer a member. Theres a very important protocol and tradition and rule.