Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., issued his resignation from Congress on Wednesday “effective immediately,” according to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., doing so after President-elect Donald Trump tapped him as the next attorney general.
Gaetz was tapped as attorney general Wednesday afternoon. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Johnson said Gaetz’s resignation “caught us by surprise a little bit.”
Johnson noted the vacant seat could be filled as soon as Jan. 3, telling reporters he will speak with Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., on Thursday morning about appointing a new Congress member.
Trump nominated Gaetz as attorney general earlier Wednesday, stunning Republican Congress members, some of whom were “shocked” at the pick and believed it was not “a serious nomination for the attorney general.”
Gaetz will need to be confirmed by the incoming GOP-majority Senate, where he faces a mix of opposition and support.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.