Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) suggested former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz is suited for the role of attorney general because he was “talented” at cross-examining House Judiciary Committee attendees.
Gaetz resigned from the House shortly after President-elect Donald Trump named him as his attorney general. As chairman, Jordan defended Gaetz from backlash by citing their work together in committee on Fox Business’s Mornings with Maria Bartiromo on Wednesday.
“What I know about Matt Gaetz is he served on our committee as one of the most talented members of Congress. Your viewers know this: if you watch Matt Gaetz in a cross-examination in committee, one of the most talented guys I’ve have seen,” Jordan said. “He does his homework. He comes prepared. I think he’ll bring that same attitude as attorney general. As I said before he is going to fight for American people. He’s gonna focus on what Justice Department should focus on.”
Jordan cited the recent example of the Department of Justice targeting Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) in a lawsuit when he attempted to remove an estimated 1,600 people from the state’s voter rolls ahead of the Nov. 5 election because they identified themselves as noncitizens. According to Jordan, there was also an effort to thwart a similar effort in Ohio.
“Matt Gaetz is not gonna be engaged in that kind of activity if he’s our attorney general, that’s what I know, and that’s why President Trump nominated him for the position,” Jordan said.
Meanwhile, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance escorted Gaetz throughout the Senate on Wednesday to rally confirmation votes with him. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) confirmed he met with Gaetz.
“I am committed to allowing the process to go forward in a manner consistent with past practices and fundamental fairness,” Graham wrote on X. “I fear the process surrounding the Gaetz nomination is turning into an angry mob, and unverified allegations are being treated as if they are true. I have seen this movie before.”
I had a very good meeting with President Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, Matt Gaetz, and Vice President-elect JD Vance. I am committed to allowing the process to go forward in a manner consistent with past practices and fundamental fairness. This process will not be a…
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) November 20, 2024
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“I’m in the business of looking at facts, not rumors,” Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) wrote Wednesday on X. “And the fact is Matt Gaetz is a HIGHLY qualified nominee with nearly a decade of experience. He will do an excellent job leading the DOJ.”
I’m in the business of looking at facts, not rumors.
And the fact is Matt Gaetz is a HIGHLY qualified nominee with nearly a decade of experience.
He will do an excellent job leading the DOJ. pic.twitter.com/Fz01xuWsqO
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) November 20, 2024
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) has joined Tuberville in a couple of TV interviews to defend Gaetz. Schmitt was reportedly on Trump’s short list for the position before the South Dakota senator publicly announced he was not interested.