WASHINGTON — The mood in Congress among Republicans following Donald Trump’s announcement of former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) as his pick for attorney general was best summed up by Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho): “Are you shittin’ me?”

There was more reaction by Democrats and Republicans to President-elect Trump's choice of former Rep. Matt Gaetz to be attorney general. While the Gaetz choice was defended by some Republicans, others said Gaetz was the wrong person for the job.

As attorney general, Gaetz will be fully empowered to carry out Trump’s—and his own—incindiary mandate, litigating culture wars and carrying out personal vendettas. Republican Senator Thom Tillis put it aptly: “I’m sure it’ll make for a popcorn-eating confirmation.”