**Trump Appoints Rep. Matt Gaetz as Attorney General**

In a surprising move, President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Rep. Matt Gaetz, a staunch Florida Republican, to serve as the next attorney general. The appointment taps Gaetz for a crucial leadership role as Trump signals a potential shift in the Justice Department's direction.

Gaetz, 42, will take over a department that was investigating him for possible sex trafficking offenses until the previous year. Following an extensive probe, prosecutors ultimately decided not to pursue charges. Trump lauded Gaetz in a statement on his Truth Social platform, calling him a "deeply gifted and tenacious attorney" and recognizing his significant efforts in Congress, particularly regarding Justice Department reform.

"Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System," stated Trump. "Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans' badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department."

Gaetz has been a reliable ally to Trump, especially evident during Trump's criminal trial in New York. He stood out as one of many Republican lawmakers who attended the proceedings to show their support for the former president.

With years of experience on the House Judiciary Committee, Gaetz has built a reputation as a fierce critic of the Russia investigation and a strong advocate for Trump. He played a critical role in last year's ousting of Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who did not intervene in a separate House Ethics Committee investigation related to sex trafficking and drug allegations against Gaetz. Gaetz has constantly denied these allegations and highlighted that the FBI's investigation, which began in 2020, concluded without any charges.

If confirmed for the role, Gaetz would also assume oversight of the FBI, adding another layer of responsibility to his new position.