Gaetz’s Long Climb to Attorney General: ‘Convincing Lawmakers He Has the Temperament

In a surprising turn of events, former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), known as a fiery and uncompromising figure in the MAGA movement, was tapped by President-elect Donald Trump as the next attorney general. Within hours of the announcement, Gaetz set to work on Capitol Hill, determined to reshape his image and earn the Senate’s confirmation for this high-stakes role.

However, Gaetz’s unconventional political style and controversial past may make this climb to the position anything but easy. The outspoken congressman, widely seen as one of the key forces behind former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) ouster, has built a reputation as a “knife fighter” on Capitol Hill, unafraid to clash with both opponents and members of his own party.

According to The Bulwark, Gaetz’s reputation as an “acid-tongued, anti-establishment” figure has positioned him as a divisive presence in Congress, one who often appears less interested in building alliances than in pushing a populist, combative agenda. Yet, Gaetz is now attempting what many might have previously thought impossible: forging connections with his fellow lawmakers, especially in the U.S. Senate, to secure his confirmation as attorney general.

“But now Gaetz wants to become the next attorney general of the United States. And he is doing something he rarely has since breaking out on the national scene: trying to make nice with fellow lawmakers, mainly the U.S. senators — the ultimate bastion of the political establishment—who are tasked with confirming him to the post,” the report noted.

Gaetz appears intent on presenting a new side of himself, one marked by measured temperament and judicial insight, qualities the Senate will look for in any nominee leading the Justice Department. A particularly high hurdle for Gaetz is his ongoing effort to convince lawmakers to overlook past allegations of sexual misconduct, which include claims involving a minor—charges he has long denied.

According to sources, Gaetz has been upfront in private conversations with senators, reiterating his denials. Additionally, his efforts are reportedly being supported by Vice President-elect JD Vance, the Ohio senator who, until the new Congress is sworn in, remains active in the chamber.

Vance is said to be lobbying fellow senators, aiming to sway those skeptical of Gaetz’s suitability for the role of attorney general. In a notable show of caution, some senators remain wary, awaiting the results of an investigation into Gaetz by the House Ethics Committee before making any decisions. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), who could prove influential in the confirmation process, expressed the need for a thorough review.

“We have a constitutional role to play of providing advice and consent,” Cornyn told The Bulwark, hinting at the Senate’s responsibility in vetting potential appointees. He further added, “The president’s role is to make the nomination. But we need to have a complete vetting of the nominees. Not only do we know that the nominee is qualified, but also to protect the president. I’m sure it’s not in his best interest to have any surprises.”

Cornyn’s remarks underscore the rigorous confirmation process awaiting Gaetz and the potential roadblocks posed by his political style and history. For Gaetz, overcoming the skepticism of seasoned senators like Cornyn will likely require a delicate balance of assertiveness and diplomacy, as well as a willingness to address unresolved concerns. His fate rests not only on his own efforts but also on how successfully he can leverage allies like Vance to persuade undecided senators.

For a figure like Gaetz, whose path in politics has often been anything but conventional, securing the position of attorney general could mark a profound shift both for his career and his role in Trump’s administration. Yet, with significant political and personal challenges standing in his way, Gaetz’s journey to this powerful office is far from guaranteed. In Washington, the climb is steep, and Gaetz may find that forging alliances is as much about character as it is about policy alignment.