Latest updates on Trump's Cabinet: Matt Gaetz, a controversial MAGA ally, has been chosen as attorney general

Donald Trump has named Republican congressman Matt Gaetz as U.S. attorney general, the country's top law enforcement official overseeing an agency that could be used to target the president-elect's rivals while he himself faces multiple criminal investigations.

The 42-year-old Republican lawmaker from Florida “has distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on much-needed reform of the Justice Department,” Trump said in a statement Wednesday.

“It will be an honor to serve as President Trump’s Attorney General!” Gaetz wrote about X.

New York Times Columnist Ezra Klein noted

“These aren’t just appointments. They are loyalty tests. The absurdity is the point,” he added. “It also reflects a difference between Trump in 2020 and Trump in 2024: In 2020, Trump didn't have the appeal among Senate Republicans to impose this kind of loyalty test.” He didn't even have it with many of his own appointees to do. Well, we’ll see.”

John Bolton said that rather than “loyalty” of those chosen for his new administration, Trump would prefer “fidelity,” referring to the oath of unwavering fealty to a feudal lord or leader.

Other surprising candidates include Fox News host Pete Hegseth for defense secretary.

President-elect Donald Trump will nominate a former Democratic congresswoman who spread conspiracy theories about U.S. involvement in Ukraine to be the next head of the U.S. intelligence community.

In a statement, Trump announced he is naming former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as his director of national intelligence, a position from which Gabbard will lead an office created after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks is to route and synthesize information collected from around the world.

The president-elect said Gabbard, who holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Army National Guard, “has fought for our country and the freedoms of all Americans for over two decades.”

Trump has announced that Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz will be nominated to be his attorney general.

“It will be an honor to serve as President Trump’s Attorney General!” Gaetz wrote about X.

Trump said in a statement: “Matt is an extremely talented and tenacious lawyer who was trained at William & Mary College of Law and has distinguished himself in Congress by focusing on much-needed reform of the Justice Department.”

“There are few issues in America more important than ending the partisan weaponization of our justice system,” the president-elect added. “Matt will end gun control, protect our borders, dismantle criminal organizations, and restore Americans’ deeply shaken faith and trust in the Department of Justice.”

Thune defeated Florida Senator Rick Scott, a favorite of Trump's allies such as Elon Musk, and Texas Senator John Cornyn, who previously held the post of whip.

Thune was first elected in 2004, defeating former Majority Leader Thom Daschle.

Trump has announced that former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will be the next director of national intelligence.

Republicans will control both chambers of Congress next year.

Republicans retained their narrow majority, giving them the opportunity to pass much of President-elect Donald Trump's agenda.

Democrats flipped a number of seats, including in California and New York. But they didn't win enough to offset the losses of incumbent Democrats like Yadira Caraveo in Colorado or the Republicans who replaced Michigan's open 7th District seat, which became vacant when Elissa Slotkin won her Senate election. Democratic Reps. Susan Wild and Matt Cartwright of Pennsylvania both remained behind.

Many races remain uncalled, but Republicans received the 218 votes needed to retain the House.