Swalwell: Gaetz nomination a ‘middle finger’ to Democrats, ‘sane Republicans’

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) criticized President-elect Trump's decision to elevate former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) to attorney general, calling it a "middle finger" to Democrats and "sane" Republicans.

Swalwell, who sits on the House Judiciary Committee, joined CNN’s Erin Burnett on Wednesday after the nomination sent shockwaves through Capitol Hill. She asked him what he thought of Trump's move.

“Well, to the president, I say, ‘No seriously, who is your pick for attorney general?’” Swalwell said. “Because this pick is a middle finger to Democrats and sane Republicans.”

The California Democrat argued his Republican friends are “clowning this pick” both publicly and privately.

Some GOP lawmakers have also expressed shock Trump would nominate Gaetz, a loyalist who himself was subject of a Department of Justice investigation, while others have expressed support for the Florida Republican.

Gaetz resigned from Congress effective immediately after receiving the nomination Wednesday, though Swalwell told the "OutFront" host he is “sure” the Senate won’t approve his nomination.

“Donald Trump is not known for having a sense of humor. Credit to you, you landed a joke on the country,” he said, speaking to Trump, later adding, “It should tell you everything about Matt Gaetz that he would allow himself to be used by the president to try and own the libs with something we know is never going to pass in the Senate.”

Swalwell pointed to the moves in the Senate earlier Wednesday, when Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) was elected to be the next majority leader, beating out Trump’s preferred choice of Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.). He argued Republicans in the Senate may choose not to appeal to the president-elect's demands.

Burnett asked Swalwell if he was sure that the Senate won’t approve Gaetz.

“Yeah, I’m sure,” he said. “And I say that because you still have in the Senate, by the way, at least three individuals ... on the Republican side who voted to convict Donald Trump.

“So, I just don’t see this happening,” Swalwell added.