Dems’ Gaetz outrage follows long history of questionable DOJ acts under Biden
Criticisms have mounted surrounding President-elect Trump’s naming of former Rep. Matt Gaetz as his pick for U.S. attorney general, following nearly four years of actions taken by the Biden administration’s Department of Justice that came under fierce fire from conservatives. Trump’s decision to appoint Gaetz as attorney general last Wednesday came as a surprise to both conservatives and liberals alike. Democrats have notably slammed the choice, pointing to the House Ethics Committee’s investigation into Gaetz’s alleged sexual misconduct with a minor. Despite these allegations, Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and the Trump transition team expressed confidence that the Senate will confirm Gaetz.
Karoline Leavitt, the transition team’s spokesperson and Trump’s recently announced pick for press secretary, defended Gaetz’s nomination on Fox News last week. Leavitt described Gaetz as a man of integrity and a brilliant litigator who served on the House Judiciary Committee for eight years. She also emphasized that both Gaetz and President Trump have been victims of what they perceive as a weaponized Department of Justice and promised to root out corruption within the agency.
The Biden administration’s Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Merrick Garland, has faced criticism for a series of actions viewed as targeting conservatives. One such incident involved Garland issuing a memo directing the FBI to use counterterrorism tools against parents speaking out at school board meetings against transgender-related issues and critical race theory curricula. This move was met with widespread backlash from parents and lawmakers, who accused the DOJ of overreach and intimidation.
The DOJ also faced scrutiny for its handling of the case of Mark Houck, a Pennsylvania dad who was arrested by the FBI for praying outside an abortion clinic. Houck was accused of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act after an altercation with a Planned Parenthood escort. Despite being acquitted by a jury, Houck and his wife filed a lawsuit against the DOJ, alleging a faulty and malicious investigation.
In Georgia, the DOJ filed a lawsuit against the state after it passed the Election Integrity Act of 2021, which overhauled its election laws. The DOJ claimed that portions of the law had a discriminatory impact on minority voters, sparking a heated legal battle between the federal government and the state.
Following the controversies within the DOJ under the Biden administration, Democrats have criticized Trump for naming Gaetz as his pick for attorney general. Gaetz’s nomination is expected to face intense scrutiny during the Senate confirmation process, with many lawmakers expressing concerns over his alleged misconduct. Despite these challenges, the Trump administration remains confident in Gaetz’s abilities to lead the Department of Justice and implement their vision for reforming the agency.
