Thune says he doesn't know if Gaetz will be confirmed as AG 'until they start the process'

Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) weighed in on President-elect Trump's controversial decision to elevate former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) to attorney general when he returns to the White House, saying he doesn't know yet if he will get confirmed.

"I don't know until we start the process, and that's what we intend to do with him and all the other potential nominees," Thune told reporters Thursday. "None of this stuff's formal yet, but you know, when it is, we expect our committees to do their jobs and provide the advice and consent that is required under the Constitution."

Trump in recent days has rolled out several nominations for his Cabinet, including tapping Gaetz to lead his Justice Department. The choice was a surprise for some GOP senators, as some were skeptical if the Florida Republican would have enough support for confirmation — especially since he's been investigated by the same agency.

“Most certainly, it would be concerning because it’s part of his file,” Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said after Trump made the announcement.

“We normally give the president the benefit of the doubt, but we still do our due diligence and advice and consent is still important,” he added.

Hours later, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Gaetz would resign from Congress “effective immediately.”

Some of the concerns stem from the Department of Justice's (DOJ) probe into allegations that Gaetz had sexual intercourse with an underage girl. The investigation was concluded last year, and he did not face criminal charges. He has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

The House Ethics Committee was probing if Gaetz engaged in illicit drug use and sexual misconduct along with other allegations. But with his resignation from the lower chamber, the committee does not have jurisdiction, but the report could still be released.

The fact-finding panel was slated to meet Friday to vote if they would release the report regarding Gaetz, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Al Weaver contributed to the report.