Trump’s AG Pick, Matt Gaetz, Poses ‘Moral Courage’ Test for Senate Republicans, Says NYT Columnist

Following the appointment of Sen. John Thune (R-SD) as majority leader under Donald Trump’s second term, Senate Republicans now face what a New York Times columnist calls a critical “moral courage” test. Columnist David French criticized Trump’s nomination of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) as attorney general, describing it as “particularly dreadful.”

“He isn’t just the least-qualified attorney general in American history (he barely practiced law before running for elected office and has served mainly as a MAGA gadfly in Congress), he’s also remarkably dishonest and depraved,” French wrote on Wednesday. His strong rebuke highlighted Gaetz’s controversial background and lack of relevant experience, portraying him as an unusual and unsettling choice for such a critical role.

Trump’s recent cabinet nominations, which also include Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense and Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, signal his intent to prioritize personal loyalty. According to French, these choices are consistent with Trump’s campaign promises. “He is going to govern with a sense of vengeance, and personal loyalty really is the coin of his realm,” French observed, underscoring Trump’s intentions to fill his administration with staunch loyalists, told NBC News.

French framed Gaetz’s nomination as a significant test of integrity and resolve for Senate Republicans, questioning their willingness to uphold their constitutional duty. “Can they summon up the minimum level of decency and moral courage to reject Gaetz? Or will they utterly abdicate their constitutional role of advice and consent in favor of simply consenting even to Trump’s worst whims?” he asked, challenging Senate Republicans to demonstrate principled resistance.

Gaetz’s resignation from Congress shortly after his nomination added further complexity to the situation. He has become a polarizing figure, even within his own party. Although Gaetz was investigated by the FBI in a high-profile child sex trafficking case, he was not ultimately charged and has consistently denied all allegations. Nonetheless, he remains under scrutiny, with a House Ethics Committee investigation reportedly ongoing, examining alleged trafficking, illegal drug use, campaign finance violations, and other potential offenses.

The selection of Gaetz as attorney general represents more than just a nomination—it is a moment of reckoning for Senate Republicans, who now must decide whether to align with Trump’s vision or assert their role as a check on executive power. As Trump’s administration takes shape, the Senate’s response to Gaetz’s nomination will be closely watched as an indicator of their commitment to constitutional principles and the rule of law.