Trump picks attorney-general, secretary of state, intelligence director

 

 

President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday, announced the duo of Matt Gaetz, a Republican Representative, and Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman, to respectively serve as his attorney general and as the director of national intelligence.

 

 

Mr Trump announced the appointments in statements circulated on Truth Social media ahead of his assumption of office in January.

 

 

Mr Gaetz will end the weaponisation of the American justice system, Mr Trump said. “Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System.”

 

 

“Matt will end weaponised government, protect our borders, dismantle criminal organisations and restore Americans’ badly shattered faith and confidence in the justice department.”

 

 

Reacting to Mr Trump’s announcement of his appointment, Mr Gaetz, in a post on X, said, “It will be an honour to serve as President Trump’s Attorney General!”

 

 

Mr Gaetz’s appointment as attorney general comes as he remains under investigation over sexual misconduct by the House Ethics Committee.

 

 

Meanwhile, Mr Trump praised Ms Gabbard’s character and leadership, describing her as having a “fearless spirit” and said she would bring a fresh perspective to the U.S. intelligence community.

 

 

Mr Trump said Ms Gabbard “will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our intelligence community, championing our constitutional rights and securing peace through strength.”

 

 

She became Mr Trump’s supporter after dumping her party.

 

 

Ms Gabbard, a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve who served in Iraq, in a post on X, said, “Thank you, @realDonaldTrump, for the opportunity to serve as a member of your cabinet to defend the safety, security and freedom of the American people. I look forward to getting to work.”

 

 

Her nomination is expected to be contentious as she has been associated with foreign leaders, such as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose regime has been accused of war crimes, including chemical attacks on civilians during Syria’s civil war, and her often controversial views on military intervention.

 

 

However, her non-traditional stance on foreign policy may also appeal to those within the Republican Party who favour a more restrained U.S. role on the global stage.

 

 

If confirmed, Ms Gabbard would be the first woman of Samoan descent to hold the position of director of national intelligence, adding a historic milestone to the appointment.