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President-elect Donald Trump is making every effort to protect former Congressman Matt Gaetz, whom he has nominated for Attorney General. The American media outlet Axios reported on the 18th (local time) that Trump is directly calling senators to pressure them to approve the nomination.

Republican Senator Kevin Cramer, who received a call from Trump, said, "He definitely wants Gaetz," adding, "He believes Gaetz is the only person with the fearless attitude and ferocity needed to do the job at the Department of Justice." He further stated, "Trump's support for a particular individual should not be confused as a tactical or strategic move for someone else." The support for former Congressman Gaetz by President-elect Trump is explained not as a political calculation but as a declaration of support despite taking political risks himself.

Donald Trump, President-elect of the United States, has nominated former Congressman Matt Gaetz as Attorney General. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Another senator also told Axios that they received a request from Trump to support Gaetz.

Former Congressman Gaetz faces controversy due to past allegations of soliciting minors, making Senate confirmation uncertain. On the same day, CNN reported that two women testified to the House Ethics Committee admitting to prostitution involving Gaetz. One of them said she witnessed Gaetz having sexual relations with a 17-year-old minor at a party. Gaetz currently denies these allegations. Joel Lefferd, the attorney for the two women, stated that according to his clients, Gaetz was unaware that the woman was a minor at the time.

The House Ethics Committee was conducting an investigation into this matter. However, Gaetz resigned from the House immediately after being nominated on the 13th as Attorney General in Trump's second administration. This move has been analyzed as an attempt to halt the Ethics Committee's investigation. The investigation report, initially scheduled to be released on the 15th, now has an uncertain release status.

The House Ethics Committee is discussing whether to disclose the findings of their investigation. CNN, citing multiple sources, reported that the House Ethics Committee plans to hold a meeting on the 20th to review whether to release the final report on former Congressman Gaetz.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said on the 15th that the report should not be released and that he would strongly urge the Ethics Committee not to disclose the report.