Trump picks Ukraine aid critic for attorney general
US President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Matt Gaetz to serve as his attorney general when the former takes power in January. The Republican representative has criticized the supply of US military aid to Kiev in the past.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, Trump highlighted the need to address what he called the “partisan Weaponization of our Justice System.”
“Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans’ badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department,” he wrote. Gaetz expressed his appreciation on X, saying it would be “an honor to serve” in the important role.
Gaetz’s selection may lead to a contentious confirmation process in the Senate, as several senators have already expressed their surprise. If confirmed, he would oversee a justice department that previously investigated him for alleged sex crimes, although no charges were filed against him.
In February 2024, Gaetz and several conservative lawmakers voiced their concerns about the provision of military aid to Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. They argued that ongoing support was merely prolonging the conflict without providing a clear path to resolution. Gaetz characterized aid packages as funds “slushing around the money-laundering capitals of the world.”
Gaetz’s critical stance on Ukraine was also evident during Vladimir Zelensky’s address to Congress in 2022, when he remained seated while many of his colleagues stood in support.
Trump has already nominated Florida Senator Marco Rubio to serve as his secretary of state, and former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to be the next director of national intelligence.
