Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz's nomination for attorney general is being met with a variety of reactions from Republicans, including cautious reservation, praise and pointed criticism.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Gaetz’s resignation was “effective immediately” and caught fellow Republicans “by surprise a little bit.”

Republicans have won enough seats to control the U.S. House, completing the party’s sweep into power and securing their hold on U.S. government alongside President-elect Donald Trump

President-elect Donald Trump sent shockwaves through Washington on Wednesday when he named Matt Gaetz, former Congressman from Florida, as his pick for attorney general. Gaetz resigned from the House of Representatives following the announcement.

Get the latest news on the transition to the new administration of President-elect Donald Trump and a new Congress.

His resignation came the same day Donald Trump nominated him to be attorney general, but some Republicans think he had other motivations.

Trump’s decision to tap Gaetz for attorney general, Gabbard for intelligence and Hegseth for defense will test the Republican-led Senate’s fealty to the president-elect.

Republican senators reacted with shock and incredulity to the news that Donald Trump wants Matt Gaetz to be attorney general.