Of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks, none have proven so controversial as former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s nomination for attorney general.
Gaetz had not been floated as a nominee previously, leading his announcement to elicit total surprise from elected Republicans. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) called the nomination “an uff da,” a humorous Midwestern phrase for when hearing bad news.
The plan to make Gaetz attorney general reportedly came together just hours before it was announced while Trump was flying to Washington. Republican strategist Boris Epshteyn was a central advocate, and Gaetz was a passenger on the plane when the plan was formulated.
Observers have sought to wrap their heads around the controversial pick, suggesting a wide range of theories, from an elaborate test of loyalty to a serious proposition.
Here are the main theories circulated around…
