Washington DC - President-elect Donald Trump named right-wing Florida lawmaker Matt Gaetz as his attorney general Wednesday, rewarding the loyalty of a staunch ally who has defended the Republican in his legal battles and impeachment fights.

"Few issues in America are more important than ending the partisan Weaponization of our Justice System," Trump posted on social media.

"Matt will end Weaponized Government... and restore Americans' badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department."

Gaetz responded to the appointment with a post on X, where he wrote, "It will be an honor to serve as President Trump's Attorney General!"

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The Republican representative has been controversial within his own party, as Gaetz is the subject of a House Ethics Committee investigation into possible sexual misconduct or use of illicit drugs that remains ongoing. He has denied the allegations against him.

Gaetz was also investigated by the Department of Justice – which he will now run – for allegedly recruiting women online for sex and showing House colleagues explicit images of women.

The DOJ ultimately chose not to charge him in the sex-trafficking probe.

Also on Wednesday, Trump formally nominate Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state and former Democratic Congressman Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence.