Trump Names Gaetz as Attorney General, Rubio for Secretary of State, and Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he would nominate Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida to serve as attorney general. Gaetz has developed a national profile and is tasked with overhauling the Justice Department. Trump also selected Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida as his nominee for secretary of state and Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic Congress member, to serve as director of national intelligence.

The appointments reflect a trend of Trump choosing loyalists for his Cabinet. Gaetz, known for his conservative stance and frequent media appearances in support of Trump, resigned from his House seat on Wednesday evening following the announcement. Trump shared the decision on his Truth Social platform, expressing his confidence in Gaetz to address corruption within the Justice Department.

If confirmed, Gaetz’s role as attorney general would make him one of the key members of Trump's Cabinet. His nomination follows his active role in Congress, where he gained attention after initiating a resolution that led to the ouster of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. A House Ethics Committee investigation into Gaetz’s activities effectively ended with his resignation, and he has denied any wrongdoing.

Trump’s Cabinet picks also include Sen. Marco Rubio as the nominee for secretary of state. Rubio, who serves on the Senate Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committees, has been outspoken on foreign policy issues, particularly regarding China, Cuba, and Iran. If confirmed, Rubio would be the first Latino to hold the position of secretary of state.

Additionally, Tulsi Gabbard was nominated as director of national intelligence. Gabbard, who served in the Army National Guard and previously held a position on the Homeland Security Committee, was an active supporter during Trump’s campaign and prepared him for debates. Her appointment would bring a non-traditional background to the intelligence community leadership, as the current director, Avril Haines, has had extensive experience in national security roles.

These appointments were announced following Trump's return to Florida after a meeting with President Joe Biden.