TV figure and one-time Trump associate, Geraldo Rivera, voiced his opposition to incoming President Donald Trump’s decision to nominate ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) for the attorney general post. While on NewsNation’s “On Balance with Leland Vittert,” Rivera was quite vocal about his distaste, saying, “When I heard that Matt Gaetz was picked to be attorney general, I threw up in my mouth.”
The 81-year-old Rivera, who had previously backed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, called Gaetz “a horrible, creepy choice” and questioned the logic behind the selection. He also touched upon the potential access to sensitive data that Gaetz would possess as attorney general, adding that Gaetz would have “access to the files” of investigations concerning him.
In a separate conversation with Chris Cuomo of NewsNation, Rivera expanded on his concerns. He said, “This is blowing up Washington D.C. and the selection particularly of Matt Gaetz to run the Justice Department is the giant F-you to the critics.” He further characterized Gaetz as “perennially under investigation,” “barely a lawyer,” and a “clearly incompetent person.”
Rivera’s disapproval also found its way onto social media platforms. There, he made disparaging remarks about Gaetz and predicted that Republicans in the Senate would not confirm Gaetz as attorney general.
Political figures have expressed a variety of reactions to Gaetz’s nomination. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) adopted a cautious approach, noting, “I’m predisposed to try to help presidents with their picks. But he’ll have to answer some tough questions in the hearing, and we’ll see how he does.”
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) voiced her skepticism, stating, “I do not see him as a serious candidate.” She further added that while the president has the freedom to nominate anyone he wants, the Senate’s role in the nomination process is to offer advice. She doubted whether her Senate colleagues would support the appointment of Matt Gaetz.
Gaetz, a vocal supporter of Trump, has been the subject of previous investigations, including a federal inquiry into sex trafficking allegations, which ended without any charges.
On Thursday, November 21, Gaetz declined the nomination following the turmoil it was causing on many fronts.
The controversy surrounding Gaetz’s nomination underscores the potential obstacles President-elect Trump may face when trying to secure confirmations for his Cabinet selections. As the Senate gears up for confirmation hearings, the responses from both Republicans and Democrats will be closely observed.
