Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., speaks at the Republican Party of Florida Freedom Summit, Nov. 4, 2023, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Johnson said he's already in contact with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on the matter.
Speaking with reporters after internal House GOP leadership elections, Johnson said Trump had informed him about his decision to tap Gaetz for the Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier on Wednesday morning.
He's the third House Republican Trump has tapped for his new administration, after picking Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., for National Security Adviser (NSA).
Trump's two earlier selections prompted concerns about thinning out an already-meager likely majority for the House GOP in the 119th Congress.
But Gaetz resigning early likely alleviates some of those concerns.
However, out of the three House members chosen, Gaetz likely faces the highest hurdle to get the job.
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The current Attorney General is Merrick Garland. (Getty Images)
When nominating him, however, Trump lauded Gaetz as "a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney" who "will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans’ badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department."
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House GOP leaders including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., similarly praised the appointment.
Fox News Digital reached out to Gaetz to confirm his resignation.
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/matt-gaetz-resigns-from-congress-over-trump-nod-attorney-general-johnson-says