President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Matt Gaetz, faced mounting scrutiny from congressional Republicans on Thursday, with Senator John Cornyn leading calls to review an unreleased Ethics Committee report that examines allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use.
The pressure on Gaetz grew as John Clune, a lawyer for an alleged victim, urged the committee to release the report publicly, citing the presence of witnesses and the victim’s status as a high school student.
Cornyn, a top Judiciary Committee member, insisted he and other lawmakers must have full access to the report. “I don’t want there to be any limitation at all on what the Senate could consider,” he emphasized, adding, “Absolutely,” when asked if he wanted to see the ethics report. All 12 Democrats on the Judiciary Committee also demanded to see the report, underscoring the seriousness with which they view Gaetz’s nomination. Gaetz, who resigned his House seat on Wednesday, may have ended the Ethics Committee probe, but the panel had reportedly planned to release the findings on Friday.
The Justice Department had previously investigated Gaetz for nearly three years over sex trafficking allegations involving a 17-year-old girl. His office reported in 2023 that prosecutors had informed him he would not face criminal charges, but many Republicans remain skeptical of his suitability for attorney general.
Senator Kevin Cramer openly doubted Gaetz’s ability to lead, citing his past behavior in Congress. “He was not just disruptive—he was destructive,” Cramer remarked, referring to Gaetz’s role in ousting former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which led to weeks of chaos. Cramer predicted that lawmakers would likely review the ethics report, even if it remains confidential.
Yet some Republicans defended Trump’s choice, arguing that Trump deserves to build his team as he sees fit. “The voters of America voted for President Trump’s agenda, and so he needs to be able to build the team he needs and wants to build,” said newly elected Republican Senator Bernie Moreno.
Gaetz’s lack of experience in the Justice Department, combined with his recent provocative statements—including a suggestion to abolish the FBI—has raised concerns about his readiness for the role. Despite Gaetz’s limited background, Trump’s advisors view the attorney general as central to executing the president-elect’s ambitious plans: enforcing mass deportations, pardoning January 6th rioters, and pursuing legal action against officials involved in his own prosecutions over the last four years.
Facing multiple federal indictments after leaving office, Trump has vowed to overhaul the Justice Department and intends to reshape it radically upon returning to power on January 20.
