In a bold move sure to rile up the left, President-elect Donald J. Trump has tapped Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz to be his attorney general, marking a new era in Trump’s efforts to reshape the Justice Department.

Gaetz, a staunch Trump ally and unapologetic Republican voice, is expected to lead the department in a direction that aligns with Trump’s promise to seek justice against those in the DOJ who, in his words, misused their power for political ends, as reported by The New York Post.

Jan 6, 2022; Washington, DC, USA; Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) speaks to members of the press in front of the Capitol on January 6, 2022, the anniversary of the deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Jasper Colt-USA TODAY

Gaetz’s appointment comes as no surprise to conservative circles, given Trump’s repeated expressions of dissatisfaction with past attorneys general. Trump felt his previous picks were either unwilling or unable to fulfill his expectations of loyalty to his agenda, a critical sticking point in the former president’s view of the DOJ’s role.

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With Gaetz at the helm, Trump is setting the stage to address what he perceives as a “swamp” within the Justice Department, aiming for a more proactive approach to issues close to his administration’s vision.

Gaetz has emerged as one of Trump’s most vocal backers on Capitol Hill.

Former President Donald Trump speaks about border security at a rally at Million Air, a private airplane terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Friday October 25, 2024.

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Now, as he prepares to step into one of the highest offices of the land, Gaetz is expected to bring his signature confrontational style to an office traditionally tasked with maintaining a clear separation between politics and law enforcement.

Vice President-elect JD Vance has made clear his and Trump’s view of the Justice Department’s significance. In a recent statement, Vance described the role of attorney general as “second only to the presidency” in terms of national impact, highlighting the administration’s priority on placing a steadfast Trump loyalist in the position.

Amid a sea of supporters, vice-presidential nominee JD Vance takes the stage during a rally at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

Gaetz’s appointment signals a shift from previous norms, as Trump looks for someone willing to shake things up and hold past DOJ officials accountable.

Trump’s decision to choose Gaetz reflects his belief in restoring what he considers integrity within the DOJ. Many conservatives have long argued that the Justice Department has been plagued by partisanship, and Gaetz’s role could be the beginning of a more conservative approach to justice.