Sun Nov 17 15:10:00 UTC 2024: **Senate Republicans Doubt Gaetz’s Attorney General Confirmation**

WASHINGTON — The confirmation of former Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) as Attorney General is facing significant hurdles, with over half of Senate Republicans privately expressing doubts about his suitability for the role. Multiple anonymous sources within the Senate Republican caucus told NBC News that they believe there are insufficient votes for confirmation. Some estimates place the number of Republicans who deem Gaetz unqualified closer to 30.

Despite this internal opposition, President-elect Donald Trump’s team remains confident in Gaetz’s eventual confirmation, potentially after a protracted and contentious battle. Gaetz and Trump attorney Todd Blanche are reportedly proceeding with plans to fill key Justice Department positions, with Blanche potentially serving as the department’s deputy attorney general.

Gaetz’s nomination has sparked controversy due to past investigations, including a Justice Department inquiry into allegations of sex trafficking involving a 17-year-old girl. While Gaetz denies these allegations and has not been criminally charged, the attorney for the alleged victim recently reiterated the claims on X (formerly Twitter), urging the release of a House Ethics Committee report investigating Gaetz.

Several Republican senators have expressed their desire to review the House Ethics Committee report before voting on Gaetz’s confirmation, emphasizing the need for a thorough vetting process. The committee’s meeting to decide on the report’s release was abruptly canceled, although the chair insists it was merely postponed. Further adding to the controversy, an attorney for another woman interviewed by the committee claimed his client testified that she witnessed Gaetz having sex with a minor.

Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) stressed the importance of a complete vetting to ensure both the nominee’s qualification and the protection of the president. Concerns are mounting that Gaetz’s confirmation could be a costly political battle with an uncertain outcome. If Republicans hold 53 Senate seats after the Pennsylvania recount, more than three GOP senators voting against him would block his confirmation. The possibility of a recess appointment, bypassing Senate confirmation, has also been raised but met with caution from some Republicans. They warn that such a move could result in a weakened cabinet secretary.

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