The Right Retribution for Trump

The failure of the nomination of Matt Gaetz to be attorney general puts the president-elect at a fork in the road in respect of what kind of retribution he seeks.

AP/Nathan Howard
Democrats are still calling for the release of a potentially damaging report into allegations of sex trafficking, corruption and drug use against Matt Gaetz. AP/Nathan Howard

The withdrawal of Congressman Matt Gaetz from consideration for attorney general is a moment to mark — such occasions always  needed — the wisdom of the Framers. The Constitution ordains that the president “shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint … all other Officers of the United States.” The appointment of high officers is a duet not a solo, and the Senate has had — if informally — its say. 

While Mr. Gaetz’s suitability for the job did not come to an up or down vote, it appears as if the prospect of confirmation was dim enough that the Floridian thought the better part of valor was to bow out now. Some will paint that as a defeat for President Trump, but it is more accurately a victory for the constitutional process. By all accounts, Trump appears to be accepting the rebuff, and has nominated Pam Bondi. 

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