American President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement of appointing Representative Matt Gaetz as Attorney General – who would lead the Department of Justice (DoJ) – has received skepticism among Senators, even some Republican ones. Some anonymously told Fox News that they would not vote to confirm Trump’s AG nomination at the Senate.
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| Matt Gaetz and Donald J Trump |
The position of AG and the DoJ are supposed to play key role in executing major parts of Trump’s agenda of dismantling the Deep State: “clean out all of the corrupt actors in national security and intelligence apparatus; to expose the hoaxes and abuses of power, to declassify and publish documents related to the Deep State’s spying, censorship and corruption; to launch a major crackdown on government leakers who collude with the fake news to deliberately wave false narratives and to subvert the government and the democracy ... [as per an Agenda47 video of Donald Trump]. It’s not clear whether Trump would aggressively pursue this Agenda which is dated back to 2023.
In general, unlike other Departments, DoJ has a very long arm, possibly reaching over all citizens and entities both inside and outside the federal system, as long as their actions are subject to laws and regulations. “Weaponizing the DoJ against political opponents” is the frequent phrase that both Republicans and Democrats repeated in their campaign trail to describe each other.
In his nomination statement, Trump assigned Matt with the mission of “achieving desperately-needed reform at the Department of Justice”, “ending weaponization of the Justice System”, “rooting out the systematic corruption at the DoJ”.
Many Washington politicians may want somebody of a neutral ground in the position of AG to minimize the possible risk the position can poise for their political career, for their past actions or what they would probably do in the future. However, Matt proves to be an aggressive follower of Trump’s theory on and agenda for “Deep State”.
Besides, Matt is facing some reputation problems. He used to be the target of DoJ investigation for sex trafficking charges, and had been under scrutiny by the House of Representatives (Ethics Committee) over allegations including sexual misconduct. He resigned, with immediate effect, right after Trump’s nomination came and just 2 days before the House’s scheduled hearing of his case.
Matt recently blasted the allegations against him as “Lies were Weaponized to try to destroy me. These lies resulted in prosecution, conviction, and prison. For the liars, not me. I focused on the truth and doing my job.” The prey would show little mercy when it can reverse its position with the predator.
Matt has yet escaped the Congress’s touch. He run away from the House by his resignation as Congressman, but would be “screened again” by the Senate when Trump’s nomination is to be presented for confirmation. There are more Republicans than Democrats in the Senate now, but it’s still unsure all Republican senators would vote to confirm Matt Gaetz.
Sensing the obstructions to some of his cabinet-level nominations, especially regarding the AG nominee, Trump provided a clear standpoint before the Senate voted to select its Majority Leader: “Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner”.
🚨 WOW! John Thune just said recess appointments are on the table if the Senate REFUSES to confirm Trump’s nominees
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) November 14, 2024
“All options are on the table, including recess appointments. Hopefully it doesn't get to that.”
LET’S GO! pic.twitter.com/Cyss5mARm4
Cabinet-level appointees installed through recess nominations would have a short term of service ranging from less than 1 year to 2 years, instead of the standard 4 years in parallel with the Administration. In that case, it would be seen as a compromised step of the President, and further compromise would unlikely happen. The newly-elected Senate Majority Leader John Thune told Fox News on 14th Nov 2024 that “All options are on the table, including recess appointments. Hopefully it doesn't get to that.”
RECESS APPOINTMENT CLAUSE
The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.
The Recess Appointments Clause, authorizing the President to make temporary appointments when the Senate is not in session, was adopted by the Constitutional Convention without dissent and without debate regarding the intent and scope of its terms. In the Federalist No. 67, Alexander Hamilton refers to the recess appointment power as nothing more than a supplement . . . for the purpose of establishing an auxiliary method of appointment, in cases to which the general method was inadequate. It is generally accepted that the Clause was designed to enable the President to ensure the unfettered operation of the government during periods when the Senate was not in session and therefore unable to perform its advice and consent function. In addition to fostering administrative continuity, Presidents have exercised authority under the Recess Appointments Clause for political purposes, appointing officials who might have difficulty securing Senate confirmation.
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This episode with @DarrenJBeattie has over a million views.
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) August 5, 2022
Check it out and see why…. https://t.co/IMjmTX2wcQ
