President-elect Donald Trump is actively rallying support for his choice to head the Justice Department, Matt Gaetz, amid growing skepticism from some Republican senators. According to sources close to the situation, Trump has been diligently reaching out to Senate members to advocate for Gaetz’s nomination.
Vice President-elect JD Vance has also been involved, helping Trump interview candidates for key positions, including a potential successor for FBI director Chris Wray, who is expected to remain in his role until 2027. Vance recently voted against judicial nominees put forth by President Biden and plans to support Trump’s nominations during his return to the Capitol.
Trump announced Gaetz as his attorney general nominee almost a week ago, following the conclusion of a federal investigation into Gaetz that did not lead to charges. The transition team is preparing for a challenging confirmation process, with insiders acknowledging that securing Senate approval for Gaetz will be the toughest fight they encounter.
Senator Kevin Cramer, who received a personal call from Trump urging support for Gaetz, expressed a willingness to remain open-minded despite initial skepticism. As the transition progresses, Trump is moving at a much faster pace in announcing cabinet positions compared to his previous term and President Biden. As of now, Trump has outlined 28 senior appointments, significantly outpacing the timeline of his earlier cabinet selections.
In a related development, Trump is reportedly meeting with former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson to discuss a potential return to his former role. Meanwhile, speculation continues regarding the nomination for Treasury Department head, a key cabinet position that has attracted a range of candidates, including financial services executive Howard Lutnick, who has been endorsed by Elon Musk.
In summary, Trump is steering an aggressive nomination strategy as he takes office, signaling his commitment to swiftly populate his administration and address critical positions. The focus on Gaetz, despite challenges, showcases Trump’s determination to pursue his preferred candidates and establish his vision for governance.
Looking forward, the rapid pace at which Trump is moving could lead to a streamlined initial process for his administration, potentially indicating a readiness to advance his policy agenda right from the start.