(The Center Square) – President-Elect Donald Trump named two more high-profile figures to his administration Wednesday afternoon, the latest in a flurry of presidential picks.
Trump tapped U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., to serve as attorney general and former Democratic Congresswoman and Lt. Col. Tulsi Gabbard to serve as director of National Intelligence.
“For over two decades, Tulsi has fought for our Country and the Freedoms of all Americans,” Trump said in a statement. “As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties – She is now a proud Republican! I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace through Strength.”
Trump pointed to Gaetz’ background as a lawyer and emphasized the need to end weaponization of the Department of Justice, which indicted Trump on dozens of charges.
“Matt will root out the systemic corruption at DOJ, and return the Department to its true mission of fighting Crime, and upholding our Democracy and Constitution,” Trump said in a statement. “We must have Honesty, Integrity, and Transparency at DOJ. Under Matt’s leadership, all Americans will be proud of the Department of Justice once again.”
Gaetz infamously led the effort to oust former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy from his leadership position in a series of marathon votes that eventually led to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., taking the role.
Gaetz said online that it would be “an honor to serve” in the role.
“On the House Judiciary Committee, which performs oversight of DOJ, Matt played a key role in defeating the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, and exposing alarming and systemic Government Corruption and Weaponization. He is a Champion for the Constitution and the Rule of Law,” Trump said.
Gaetz previously was under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department and House ethics committee over sexual misconduct allegations. Gaetz denied any wrongdoing, and the Justice Department dropped its case in 2023, declining to bring charges against him.
Democrats have pledged to fight back.
“Trump won the election, but more than 72 million people voted for Democrats and they don’t expect us to roll over and play dead,” U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said in a statement. “We will have a peaceful transition of power, followed by a vigorous challenge from the party out of power, because that’s how democracy works.”
Trump has also named:
Veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Secretary of DefenseVeteran and former New York congressman Lee Zeldin as head of the Environmental Protection Agency.U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., as Secretary of State.Former Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan as “border czar.”Former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.Former Congresswoman and current governor of South Dakota, Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the “Department of Government Efficiency.William Joseph McGinley as White House Counsel.Steven C. Witkoff as Special Envoy to the Middle East.Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla. as national security advisor.Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel.Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y. as ambassador to the U.N.
