Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (left) is President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general. (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

The latest frenzy in Washington is over President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet appointments.

The transition effort began with “relatively orthodox choices,” CNN reported, like campaign co-chair Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff.

Other choices — namely Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary and just-resigned Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general — have the political world scratching their heads.

The Senate confirms nominees through a majority vote.

Here’s how some members of Congress from North Carolina are reacting to the cabinet picks.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as Secretary of State

In the past decade, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio has gone from a rival competing for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination to a potential 2024 running mate to Trump’s selection for Secretary of State.

Rubio stumped for Trump in the president-elect’s final North Carolina rally, joining him on stage in Raleigh the day before the election.

“Congratulations to my friend and Senate colleague,” North Carolina Republican Sen. Ted Budd wrote on social media.

The state’s senior senator, Republican Thom Tillis also took to social media to laud Rubio.

“He is an outstanding choice to lead President Trump’s peace through strength [sic] foreign policy,” Tillis wrote.

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy as leads for the “Department of Government Efficiency”

Despite what the name suggests, the “Department of Government Efficiency” is not a government agency.

Only Congress has the power to create federal agencies, as designated by the Constitution.

President-elect Trump says the organization would aim to reduce government spending and cut costs. It’s not clear how the department would operate, the Associated Press reported.

“Thank God we have Vivek and Elon coming on board,” Republican Rep. Greg Murphy of eastern North Carolina’s third congressional district shared on social media.

Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense
Pete Hegseth is a conservative media personality and military veteran.

His selection as defense secretary is an “unexpected choice that deviates from most of Trump’s staff picks for his White House, who largely descend from political roles in federal and state governments,” NPR reported.

The position was tumultuous during Trump’s first term, with five men leading the Pentagon during the four years.

Rep. Richard Hudson of the ninth congressional district said Hegseth is a “great choice” for the position, citing his more than 20 years of service and two bronze stars.

“He is an America First warrior who will ensure our military is focused on training the warfighter and U.S. readiness, not woke indoctrination,” Hudson said.

Hegseth has questioned the role of women in combat.

Democratic Rep. Deborah Ross, who represents North Carolina’s second congressional district, described Hegseth as “clearly unfit” for the defense secretary role.

“Women serving in combat make our country stronger — not weaker,” Ross wrote. “This statement from someone who could be leading our Armed Forces dishonors the service of the brave women who fight for our country.”

Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz as Attorney General

Known for leading the successful charge to oust Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker, Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz is a staunch Trump ally.

His nomination as attorney general shocked Washington. If confirmed, he would lead the Justice Department, which “spent years investigating allegations that Gaetz engaged in sex with underage girls and paid for their transportation,” POLITICO reported.

Gaetz proceeded to resign from his House seat later on Wednesday, a move interpreted by some observers as a tactic to circumvent a House Ethics Committee report investigating several allegations against him.

Outgoing Republican Rep. Dan Bishop of North Carolina’s eighth congressional district kept it short: “Congratulations, Matt. Fantastic.”

The Washington Post reported that Tillis said he’ll give Gaetz an “honest look” and has work to do to get enough votes for a Senate confirmation. In a video interview posted to TikTok by Raleigh’s News & Observer, Tillis appeared agitated by questions about his views on Gaetz and said that while he had “sparred” with Gaetz on social media, the nomination would succeed if Gaetz produces a “defensible resume” and a “really clean vetting.”

Outgoing Democratic Rep. Wiley Nickel, representing the 13th district, called out his congressional colleague.

“Hoping you take an ‘honest look’ in the mirror if you really think Matt Gaetz is qualified to be Attorney General,” Nickel responded to Tillis.

Trump cabinet picks draw mixed reviews from NC congressional delegation

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