Press Releases
Watchdog: Next Trump AG Pick Must Be Judged On Own Merits, Not Simply “Better Than Gaetz”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ethically-bankrupt Trump Attorney General Nominee Matt Gaetz has reportedly withdrawn his name from consideration – despite unwavering support from President-elect Trump — amid an avalanche of revelations and allegations about his sickening past, including paying minors for sex. As the U.S. Senate now awaits a new nominee for AG, government watchdog Accountable.US urged Senators to judge whoever it may be on their own merits and not simply in comparison to a nominee that was the worst-case scenario for the American people.
Earlier New York Times reporting today noted the dangers of Trump’s Overton window strategy: “Mr. Trump has shown no sign of withdrawing [Gaetz’] nomination, which speaks volumes about his mind-set as he staffs his second administration. He is making calls on Mr. Gaetz’s behalf, and he remains confident that even if Mr. Gaetz does not make it, the standard for an acceptable candidate will have shifted so much that the Senate may simply approve his other nominees who have appalled much of Washington.”
President-elect Trump knew full well Matt Gaetz was an ethical nightmare, but he picked him for one of our government’s most powerful positions anyway because Gaetz has been fiercely loyal to him. Trump put political fealty above the rule of law, and he will no doubt do it again with the next nominee. Republican Senators need to take their responsibility very seriously and not simply go along with replacing one Trump loyalist for another just because they may be less ethically odious than Matt Gaetz. The next nominee must be judged on their own merits and whether they have the right qualifications and character to protect the rule of law for all Americans, not just special interests loyal to Trump.”
