Trump Nominates Matt Gaetz as Attorney General

President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) as attorney general has elicited shock and concern among Senate Republicans and legal professionals alike. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) expressed disbelief at the choice, with Murkowski labeling it as unserious, while Collins anticipated many questions during Gaetz's confirmation hearing. The nomination has intensified scrutiny due to ongoing investigations into Gaetz's conduct, including allegations related to sex trafficking, despite the closure of a previous FBI investigation without charges. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy warned that Gaetz's appointment could mark a dangerous shift in the Department of Justice, potentially turning it into a tool for political persecution under Trump's influence. Reactions within the Justice Department have mirrored these sentiments, with staff reportedly expressing intense disbelief at the announcement. As the nomination process progresses, the implications of Gaetz's potential appointment are expected to provoke further debate within both the Senate and the legal community.