- United States
- N.J.
- Letter
The nomination of Rep. Matt Gaetz as Attorney General raises serious concerns about his ability to lead the Department of Justice with integrity, judgment, and independence. These qualities are essential for an Attorney General to effectively oversee the complex and wide-ranging work of the Department. Mr. Gaetz's record demonstrates a troubling lack of the necessary attributes. His conduct and statements have repeatedly called into question his commitment to upholding the rule of law and pursuing justice without regard to partisan interests or personal allegiances. An Attorney General must have the courage to make difficult decisions based on the law and facts, even if those decisions are unpopular with the Administration or their political base. Furthermore, Mr. Gaetz lacks the substantive experience and expertise required to manage the Department's diverse components and policy areas, from prosecutions to civil rights enforcement to national security matters. While no one can be fully prepared for the breadth of the Attorney General's responsibilities, a successful nominee must inspire confidence in their ability to quickly master the issues and provide principled leadership. For these reasons, I urge you to carefully scrutinize Mr. Gaetz's nomination and consider whether he truly possesses the qualifications needed to serve as the nation's chief law enforcement officer and head of the Department of Justice. An Attorney General who fails to uphold the highest standards of integrity, judgment, and independence would represent a profound threat to our system of justice and the rule of law.
