US President-elect Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that he would maintain his nomination of former Congressman Matt Gaetz for the position of attorney general.
Gaetz, aged 42, faced a justice department investigation spanning nearly three years regarding sex trafficking accusations involving a 17-year-old girl. Trump announced his selection of Gaetz last week to lead the agency upon his return to the White House in January.
During his visit to Texas following a SpaceX rocket launch by Elon Musk, Trump responded with a firm “No” when questioned about potentially reconsidering the nomination.
Trump remained silent when questioned about his commitment to securing Gaetz’s confirmation.
The selection raised concerns, considering the former congressman, who entered office in 2016, was under scrutiny by the House of Representatives’ Ethics Committee.
Gaetz submitted his resignation from Congress shortly after receiving the attorney general nomination.
Several senate republicans, responsible for confirming high-level appointments under constitutional mandate, have requested the committee to disclose its findings regarding allegations of sexual misconduct with a teenager and drug use involving Gaetz.
Republican house speaker Mike Johnson has expressed opposition to the release of the committee’s report. The committee plans to convene on Wednesday to determine its next course of action.