Vice President-elect JD Vance arrived on Capitol Hill Wednesday along with former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and current Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.
The trio was seen arriving as they were set to meet with Republican senators to shore up support for Gaetz who was tapped by President-elect Trump to serve as attorney general and Rubio who was nominated as secretary of state.
Gaetz. Rubio. Vance seen this AM together on The Hill.
He’s getting confirmed.
Sorry Libs. pic.twitter.com/nDAbRUzfyw
— Mike Crispi (@MikeCrispi) November 20, 2024
“JD Vance is doing a lot of” outreach “on the Senate side,” an anonymous Republican senator told The Hill. “I think he’s worked through the whole Judiciary Committee. He’s calling folks, trying to get a sense of where things are.”
The House Ethics Committee has not yet released a report of its investigation into sexual misconduct and illicit drug allegations against the former congressman who resigned last week just before Trump made his announcement.
VP-Elect JD Vance arrives on Capitol Hill with Matt Gaetz and Marco Rubio to meet with lawmakers and shore up support for President-Elect Trump’s Cabinet Picks. pic.twitter.com/bz7TmypCcB
— ❣️Anne❣️ (@USA_Anne711) November 20, 2024
Following the meeting, various senators noted that it went well.
Senator Josh Hawley said he had “good” meeting with VP-elect Vance and Matt Gaetz.
Said Gaetz outlined his vision for DOJ. On House Ethics investigation…
“The real question is, is Gaetz going to have the opportunity to answer this in a forum that is reasonable?”@scrippsnews
— Sam Lisker (@slisker) November 20, 2024
I had a great meeting with Vice President-Elect Vance and Attorney General Nominee Gaetz, and I look forward to a speedy confirmation for our next Attorney General.
President-Elect Trump’s cabinet is going to shake up the D.C. swamp, and we look forward to moving his nominees…
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) November 20, 2024
Vance emphasized the need to deliver Trump the Cabinet he “deserves.”
“He deserves a cabinet that is loyal to the agenda he was elected to implement,” he wrote in a post on X.
Donald J. Trump just won a major electoral victory. His coattails turned a 49-51 senate to a 53-47 senate.
He deserves a cabinet that is loyal to the agenda he was elected to implement.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) November 20, 2024
Trump himself was asked if he was “reconsidering” the nomination of Gaetz. The incoming 47th president was clear in his response.
PRESIDENT TRUMP STANDS WITH MATT GAETZ! pic.twitter.com/5cMF9QvDyo
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) November 20, 2024
Sen. Lindsey Graham (SC) offered a strong defense of Gaetz, urging his colleagues to not join the “lynch mob” clamoring for Gaetz’s nomination to be pulled.
“I fear the process surrounding the Gaetz nomination is turning into an angry mob, and unverified allegations are being treated as if they are true. I have seen this movie before,” Graham said in a statement after meeting with Gaetz and Vance.
“I would urge all of my Senate colleagues, particularly Republicans, not to join the lynch mob and give the process a chance to move forward,” the ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee continued.
I had a very good meeting with President Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, Matt Gaetz, and Vice President-elect JD Vance. I am committed to allowing the process to go forward in a manner consistent with past practices and fundamental fairness. This process will not be a…
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) November 20, 2024
“After years of being investigated by the Department of Justice, no charges were brought against Matt Gaetz. This is something we should all remember,” Graham said.
“I would also urge my colleagues to go back to a time-tested process, receive relevant information, and give the nominee a chance to make their case as to why they should be confirmed. This standard – which I have long adhered to – has served the Senate and country well,” his statement continued.
The senator said the confirmation process should move ahead “in a manner consistent with past practices and fundamental fairness.”
“This process will not be a rubber stamp nor will it be driven by a lynch mob,” Graham said.
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