Incoming Senate Majority Chief John Thune (R-S.D.) weighed in on President-elect Trump’s controversial resolution to raise former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) to lawyer basic when he returns to the White Home, saying he would not know but if he’ll get confirmed.
“I don’t know until we start the process, and that’s what we intend to do with him and all the other potential nominees,” Thune advised reporters Thursday. “None of this stuff’s formal yet, but you know, when it is, we expect our committees to do their jobs and provide the advice and consent that is required under the Constitution.”
Trump in latest days has rolled out a number of nominations for his Cupboard, together with tapping Gaetz to guide his Justice Division. The selection was a shock for some GOP senators, as some had been skeptical if the Florida Republican would have sufficient assist for affirmation — particularly since he is been investigated by the identical company.
“Most certainly, it would be concerning because it’s part of his file,” Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) stated after Trump made the announcement.
“We normally give the president the benefit of the doubt, but we still do our due diligence and advice and consent is still important,” he added.
Hours later, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stated Gaetz would resign from Congress “effective immediately.”
Among the issues stem from the Division of Justice’s (DOJ) probe into allegations that Gaetz had sexual activity with an underage woman. The investigation was concluded final 12 months, and he didn’t face felony fees. He has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
The Home Ethics Committee was probing if Gaetz engaged in illicit drug use and sexual misconduct together with different allegations. However together with his resignation from the decrease chamber, the committee doesn’t have jurisdiction, however the report might nonetheless be launched.
The very fact-finding panel was slated to satisfy Friday to vote if they’d launch the report concerning Gaetz, based on a supply aware of the matter.
Al Weaver contributed to the report.
