Staff Reports
The buzz surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s exhilarating win over Vice President Kamala Harris is largely focused on the pivotal choices he will make for key positions in his administration, particularly the role of attorney general. This will be more than just a procedural appointment; it’s destined to have colossal implications for Trump’s legal landscape, which has been shaped under the relentless storm of political antagonism.
Trump’s potential picks for the attorney general role resemble a conservative dream team. As reported by the Washington Examiner, Trump has a roster of fierce allies ready to take on the swampy legal battles that could derail his second term. One name that shines in this selection process is John Ratcliffe, the former director of national intelligence and a solid Trump loyalist. Given his track record, Ratcliffe is a favorite among Trump’s base and would undoubtedly lend a strong hand in steering Trump through any legal maelstrom he faces.
Next up in the spotlight is Sen. Mike Lee from Utah. With an impressive résumé that includes clerking for Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito and a sharp understanding of constitutional law, Lee has wasted no time calling out the politically charged cases against Trump. His expertise makes him a strategic contender, but there’s a catch: losing Lee from the Senate could pose a real challenge for the likely newly minted Republican majority. Perhaps it’s time to put on the thinking caps, because the stakes are high here.
Then, there’s Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a veritable firebrand and steadfast ally of Trump. Paxton has taken a standout stance against the Biden administration’s reckless border policies, aligning perfectly with Trump’s hardline approach. He even made headlines by casting doubt on the legality of special counsel Jack Smith’s appointment. Choosing Paxton would be like sending a cannonball into the sea of cancel culture and lawfare that has plagued Trump’s presidency since day one.
But let’s not overlook other noteworthy names being tossed around in the AG hat. Matt Whitaker, who previously served as acting attorney general during Trump’s first term, could easily fit into the puzzle. With his familiarity with the inner workings of the Department of Justice, Whitaker could be a tactical asset in ensuring that Trump’s administration is not bogged down by the same political games that has plagued previous administrations.
Additionally, there’s Sen. Eric Schmitt from Missouri, another loyal Trump supporter and former attorney general of his state. With numerous campaign appearances under his belt and a staunch commitment to Trump’s policies, Schmitt’s candidacy for attorney general could resonate well with the base. The world of possibilities is ripe for selection, but who will Trump ultimately choose to help fight the deep state? The answer is anyone’s guess, but the anticipation is certainly palpable.
Stunned by the Hegseth nomination? Just wait for AG and DNI. Hegseth dropped literally as I was typing this up, warning that the earlier nominations today were meant to soften up the ground for the really WTF noms to come.https://t.co/VwYFar2nUr pic.twitter.com/OUH2Mo0PO0
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) November 13, 2024
