President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday announced Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., as his pick for attorney general.

If confirmed, Gaetz will lead the Justice Department after Trump is sworn in for his second term in January.

Early contenders for the post included sitting U.S. senators, former Justice Department staff and at least one top White House adviser from Trump’s first term.

Trump first announced his nomination in a post on Truth Social, saying Gaetz “has distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving much-needed reforms at the Department of Justice.”

Gaetz confirmed the nomination on social media site X, adding, “It will be an honor to serve as President Trump’s Attorney General!”

In his statement on Truth Social, Trump praised Gaetz for his experience on the House Judiciary Committee, where he said Gaetz “played a key role” in “defeating the Russian, Russian hoax” and exposing what Trump described as “alarming and systemic government fraud’. Corruption and armament.”

“He is a champion for the Constitution and the rule of law.”

Gaetz graduated from William & Mary College of Law and passed the Florida bar exam in 2008.

DEPARTMENT LOOKS TO DISCLOSURE TRUMP CRIMINAL CASES BEFORE INAUGURATION

“He’s going to want someone he knows, likes and trusts,” Former says Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker told Fox News about the role last week. “He wants someone who was there from the beginning.”

This is a breaking news story. Check back soon for updates.

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