A growing rift among Republicans over President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) for attorney general intensified Wednesday as Trump allies issued stark warnings to any party members who might oppose the nomination. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a key supporter of Trump, delivered a direct threat to Republicans considering a break from Trump’s selection.
“If you voted for [Merrick] Garland and won’t vote for Gaetz, you will face an immediate primary challenge,” Kirk warned in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Kirk’s strong statement was echoed by Nick Sortor, another prominent MAGA influencer, who underscored Kirk’s message by bluntly adding, “We’re not f–ing around.” The intensity of their comments highlights the pressure Trump supporters are applying to ensure Gaetz’s confirmation, despite the controversial background of the nominee and pushback from within the GOP.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) also voiced his support for Trump’s choice, telling Fox Business that resistance to Gaetz’s nomination was part of a deeper problem within Washington. “I don’t know, you’re finding all the swamp creatures coming out right now” to oppose Gaetz, Tuberville remarked, pointing to what he sees as a persistent influence from establishment figures who he claims are undermining Trump’s leadership.
Tuberville further defended Trump’s prerogative to select his own team, citing the significant support Trump received in the election. “Everybody’s got an opinion up here but at the end of the day, President Trump was elected by an enormous vote, and he deserves the team around him that he wants. It’s not up to us to determine that,” he argued, emphasizing his belief that Trump’s authority to appoint key officials should not be contested by other Republican senators.
The Alabama senator issued a warning to those considering opposition, asserting that they, too, could face political repercussions. “You are not the United States of America. You have one vote in the U.S. Senate. You did not get elected president. Vote with President Trump. This is the last chance we’re going to have to save this country. And if you want to get in the way, fine. But we’re going to try to get you out of the Senate, too, if you try to do that,” Tuberville declared.
As Trump prepares to assume office, the support and loyalty of Republican lawmakers are under the spotlight, with Trump allies drawing hard lines and signaling that dissent on Gaetz’s nomination will not be tolerated. The unfolding drama signals potential internal conflict as Republicans weigh loyalty to Trump against personal and party considerations surrounding Gaetz’s qualifications and history.