Second Republican Senator Defies Trump, Signals Opposition to Gaetz for AG: ‘I Don’t Think It’s a Serious Nomination’

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) became the second Republican senator to publicly come out against President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Matt Gaetz as attorney general.

Trump announced the selection on Wednesday. Hours later, Gaetz resigned from Congress, effective immediately. Afterward, Punchbowl News reported that the House Ethics Committee was scheduled to vote Friday on whether to release a “highly damaging” report on Gaetz, whom it was investigating for possible sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and other allegations. With Gaetz no longer in Congress, the probe is now over, and no report will be issued.

Even before the Punchbowl reporting, Republicans appeared skeptical. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) was the first senator to say she will oppose the nomination if it comes up for a vote in the Senate. Later in the day, Murkowski also signaled her opposition.

“I don’t think it’s a serious nomination for the attorney general,” Murkowski said. “We need to have a serious attorney general, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to consider somebody that is serious. This one, this one was not on my bingo card.”

Pending a recount in Pennsylvania, Republicans will hold either 52 or 53 seats in the Senate. Gaetz’s nomination could pass with 50 votes, plus a tie-breaking vote by Vice President-elect JD Vance. Or, Trump could controversially decide to appoint Gaetz while the Senate is in recess.

Previously, the Department of Justice investigated Gaetz as to whether he had sexual relations with a minor, but last year it declined to bring charges.

Watch above via MSNBC.