What A Day: Matt Gaetz, Future Attorney General?

Hosted by Jane Coaston | Release Date: November 14, 2024

In this insightful episode of What A Day, host Jane Coaston delves into the controversial nomination of Congressman Matt Gaetz as the next Attorney General of the United States by President Elect Donald Trump. The episode provides an in-depth analysis of Gaetz's qualifications, the Senate's reaction, and the broader implications for the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Trump's Nomination of Matt Gaetz

Jane Coaston opens the discussion by highlighting President Trump's recent announcement on Truth Social, nominating Florida Representative Matt Gaetz for the role of Attorney General (00:02). Gaetz, known as one of the most polarizing figures in Congress, has served four terms in the House and briefly practiced law before his political career. Coaston points out the significant skepticism surrounding Gaetz's legal credentials, especially for leading the DOJ, which oversees a vast network of over 10,000 attorneys globally.

Senate Dynamics and Support

The episode explores the mixed reactions within the Republican Senate caucus. While some senators, like Tennessee's Bill Hagerty, have expressed support for Gaetz (01:57), others, including Alaska's Lisa Murkowski, have shown resistance. Murkowski stated, "I don't think Gaetz is a serious nomination for Attorney General" (02:33), indicating potential challenges in securing Gaetz's confirmation. The discussion also touches on Trump's consideration of recess appointments as a possible strategy to bypass Senate opposition.

Expert Analysis: Ken White on Gaetz's Nomination

A pivotal segment features an interview with Ken White, a former federal prosecutor and current criminal defense attorney, who provides a critical perspective on Gaetz's suitability for the DOJ (03:24).

Ken White shares his initial disbelief upon hearing the nomination:
"I started laughing and then I inhaled some saliva and coughed, and then some paralegals came into my office kind of concerned." (03:35)

He emphasizes Gaetz's lack of relevant experience:
"He has really no relevant experience to run the United States Department of Justice, other than, I guess, being on the business end of an investigation." (04:46)

White discusses the potential chaos Gaetz could introduce to the DOJ, highlighting the department's intricate relationships with agencies like the FBI and DEA:
"If you get someone in there who's just going to do it like a clown show, then it may be very horrifying, but it may not be very effective at retaliation." (06:00)

He also addresses the morale and credibility of DOJ attorneys, expressing concern over Gaetz's nomination undermining the department's mission:
"The vast majority of them are going to be horrified because they think it really diminishes the credibility of the Justice Department and its mission." (07:23)

Implications for the Department of Justice

The conversation shifts to the broader consequences of Gaetz's potential appointment. White outlines how a DOJ tailored to Gaetz's agendas could lead to significant shifts in prosecutorial priorities, potentially neglecting complex cases like civil rights violations and white-collar crimes in favor of more politically motivated prosecutions. He warns of increased instability and diminished effectiveness within the department:
"It's very easy, really, for the new executive if they want to completely gut the Department of Justice's ability to do more complex cases and more controversial cases." (08:05)

White also speculates on the long-term impact on the DOJ's relationship with federal judges and other sub-agencies, emphasizing the risks of politicization and reduced judicial oversight.

Potential Workarounds and Confirmation Challenges

Coaston and White discuss Trump's possible use of recess appointments to bypass the Senate's confirmation process. White expresses skepticism about the feasibility and the institutional resistance Trump might face:
"These institutions, these rules are somewhat fragile and to some extent like Tinkerbell, they only stay alive to the extent we believe in them and decide to obey them." (10:03)

He questions the Republican senators' willingness to support such maneuvers, hinting at the fragile unity within the party.

Conclusion: The Future of Gaetz's Nomination

Wrapping up the interview, White expresses doubt about Gaetz's confirmation, citing the overwhelming negative reaction from both within and outside the GOP:
"The reaction to him is such one of horror and contempt that it's possible this is where they stand up and maybe then Trump goes on to someone else." (10:38)

He concludes by preferring Gaetz over other potential nominees who might be even less suitable:
"I'd almost rather have a buffoon than a shrewd evil person." (10:44)

Additional News Highlights

Following the in-depth discussion on Gaetz, the episode briefly covers other pertinent news:

• Biden and Trump Meet for Power Transition: Despite their tumultuous relationship, President Joe Biden and Donald Trump met to discuss the transfer of power. Coaston notes the strained dynamics and lack of reconciliation between the two leaders (14:00).

• Senate Majority Leader Election: John Thune narrowly wins the Senate Majority Leader position, overcoming challenges from within the GOP and securing the role with ties to Mitch McConnell (15:09).

• NLRB's Landmark Decision: The National Labor Relations Board rules against employers forcing employees to attend anti-union meetings, a decision with significant implications for unionization efforts nationwide (15:21).

• Infowars Auction: The controversial media empire owned by Alex Jones is up for auction following his bankruptcy due to defamation lawsuits. The outcome remains uncertain, with potential bidders ranging from political figures to media companies (16:00).

Final Thoughts

Jane Coaston concludes the episode by urging listeners to stay informed and engaged, emphasizing the importance of discerning credible news sources and active participation in the democratic process. She underscores the potential ramifications of Gaetz's nomination and the broader political landscape shaping America's future.

Notable Quotes:

• Ken White on Gaetz's Qualifications (04:46): "He has really no relevant experience to run the United States Department of Justice, other than, I guess, being on the business end of an investigation."

• Lisa Murkowski on Gaetz's Nomination (02:33): "I don't think Gaetz is a serious nomination for Attorney General."

• Ken White on DOJ's Future Under Gaetz (08:05): "It's very easy, really, for the new executive if they want to completely gut the Department of Justice's ability to do more complex cases and more controversial cases."

This episode of What A Day provides listeners with a comprehensive analysis of Matt Gaetz's potential role as Attorney General, the Senate's stance, and the possible future of the DOJ under his leadership. Jane Coaston ensures that the discussion remains informative and accessible, even for those who have not tuned into the show.