In a move sure to send shockwaves through Washington, President-elect Donald Trump has floated Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz as his pick for Attorney General, replacing Merrick Garland. Predictably, the announcement unleashed a torrent of outrage among Democrats and their media allies, none more visibly unhinged than Sunny Hostin, co-host of The View.
Hostin, notorious for inflammatory remarks that often require swift retractions, may have outdone herself this time. During a segment reacting to Gaetz’s potential nomination, Hostin regurgitated unfounded accusations against the congressman, parroting long-debunked claims of child trafficking and inappropriate conduct.
The Biden Justice Department had previously investigated Gaetz for years and found insufficient evidence to charge him with any wrongdoing. But that didn’t stop Hostin from launching into a tirade filled with allegations unbacked by fact or current legal standing.
Hostin asserted, "How could you nominate someone with allegations of child trafficking across state lines and having sex with a 17-year-old?" Her comments appeared to reference claims made by a Florida attorney on behalf of an unnamed client from 2017.
This speculative accusation has been widely discredited, with the DOJ investigation closing without charges. A source familiar with the case even suggested prosecutors doubted they could prove any of the allegations.
Within minutes of her remarks, Hostin was handed a legal notice during the live broadcast and forced to recant. The moment, dripping with irony, was capped by a sullen-faced Hostin reading: “Matt Gaetz has long denied all allegations, calling the claims ‘invented.’
This false smear following a three-year criminal investigation should be viewed with great skepticism.” Hostin’s on-air humiliation drew swift and gleeful reactions from conservative commentators.
Gaetz himself offered a simple response on X (formerly Twitter): an emoji of watchful eyes, signaling a confidence that resonated with his supporters. Others joined in. Conservative host Chad Prather quipped, "Make her do it every day," while former GOP Rep. George Santos crowed, “I love when ABC humiliates this witch! LOL.”
Beyond the spectacle, Gaetz’s possible appointment as Attorney General has sent a clear signal: the second Trump administration will not shy away from aggressive legal and political maneuvers. Gaetz’s unapologetic, take-no-prisoners style stands in stark contrast to the timid, politicized DOJ Americans have endured for years. If confirmed, Gaetz would likely bring a bold new energy to an office plagued by controversy and partisanship.