Republican senators stunned as Trump taps Gaetz for attorney general

Trump's nomination of Gaetz as attorney general has stunned Republican senators, who are worried about the congressman's lack of experience and his history of controversial statements.

Gaetz, a three-term congressman from Florida, is a staunch Trump ally and has been a vocal critic of the Justice Department. He has also been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women.

Some Republican senators are concerned that Gaetz's nomination will damage the Justice Department's reputation and make it more difficult for the agency to enforce the law.

Others are worried that Gaetz will use the position to further his own political agenda and to attack his political opponents.

"This is a terrible mistake," said one Republican senator, who asked not to be identified. "Gaetz is not qualified to be attorney general, and his nomination is a clear sign that Trump is putting his own political interests ahead of the country's best interests."

The nomination has also raised concerns among Democrats, who are worried that Gaetz will use the position to roll back civil rights protections and to undermine the Affordable Care Act.

"Gaetz is a dangerous choice for attorney general," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). "He has shown a complete disregard for the rule of law, and he is unfit to lead the Justice Department."

The nomination is likely to face a tough battle in the Senate, where Republicans hold a slim majority. Several Republican senators have already said that they will not support Gaetz.

"I cannot support the nomination of Matt Gaetz as attorney general," said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). "His lack of experience and his history of controversial statements make him unqualified for this position."

It is unclear whether Trump will be able to convince enough Republican senators to support Gaetz's nomination. If the nomination is defeated, it would be a major setback for Trump, who has already seen several of his nominees rejected by the Senate.