Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) became the first Republican senator to say Wednesday that he would not vote for President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL).

“I was shocked by the nomination,” Collins told PunchBowl’s Max Cohen.

“That is why the Senate’s advice and consent process is so important. I’m sure there will be many, many questions raised to Mr of Gaetz hearing,” she added.

Cohen also reported on the North Carolina senator. of Tom Tillis reaction:

Tillis on Gaetz: ‘It’s going to take a lot of work to get to 50’ yes votes. Tillis adds that it will lead to “popcorn confirmation hearing” content. I’ll give it an honest look, Tillis adds.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) told Cohen he was “still trying to absorb all of this” when asked about Gaetz for AG and Gabbard for DNI. The visiting Cornyn raised eyebrows when he was first told by the media about Gaetz’s election,” Cohen added.

Republicans will hold a 53-seat majority in the US Senate, but have expressed a willingness to allow Trump’s cabinet to be installed through recess appointments.

“We must act quickly and decisively to get the president’s nominees as soon as possible, and all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments. We cannot let Schumer and the members of the Senate block the will of the American people,” newly elected Senate GOP Leader John Thune (R-SD) said on X this week.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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