President-elect Donald Trump nominates Aaron Reitz to lead the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Policy, signaling a shift towards stricter law enforcement and immigration control.
At a Glance
- Trump nominates Aaron Reitz, former Texas Deputy Attorney General, to head DOJ’s Office of Legal Policy
- Reitz boasts an 80% win rate in lawsuits against the Biden administration
- Nomination aligns with Trump’s commitment to “Law and Order” and immigration enforcement
- Reitz to work alongside Pam Bondi and Todd Blanche in reshaping DOJ priorities
- Additional key nominations include Chad Mizelle as DOJ Chief of Staff and David Fink to lead Federal Railroad Administration
Trump’s Strategic DOJ Nomination
In a move that underscores his commitment to robust law enforcement, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Aaron Reitz to head the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Policy (OLP). Reitz, a former Texas Deputy Attorney General and current Chief of Staff for Senator Ted Cruz, brings a track record of legal victories against the Biden administration to his new role.
Trump’s selection of Reitz aligns with his vision for the Justice Department, emphasizing strict immigration control and opposition to expansive federal regulatory measures. The President-elect praised Reitz’s credentials, describing him as a “true MAGA attorney” and a “warrior for our Constitution.”
I am pleased to nominate Aaron Reitz to serve as the next Head of the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Policy (OLP). Aaron will lead OLP to develop and implement DOJ’s battle plans to advance my Law and Order Agenda, and restore integrity to our Justice System. He will be…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) December 21, 2024
Reitz’s Track Record and Future Priorities
Reitz’s appointment to the OLP, a crucial division responsible for crafting legal policy, vetting judicial nominees, and coordinating legislative initiatives, comes on the heels of his impressive legal career in Texas. His achievements include defending Texas’s border security measures and opposing federal immigration policies, with a reported 80% success rate in lawsuits against the Biden administration.
“Together we’ve sued the Biden Administration nearly 50 times since January 2021 and secured an 80 percent win rate fighting the nation’s most consequential legal battles,” Reitz said.
In his new role, Reitz is expected to prioritize strict immigration enforcement and reduce federal regulatory overreach, aligning with Trump’s policy directions. He will work under Pam Bondi, Trump’s nominee for U.S. Attorney General, and alongside Todd Blanche, the nominee for Deputy Attorney General.
Trump’s Vision for the DOJ
The nomination of Reitz is part of a broader strategy to reshape the Justice Department’s priorities. Trump has been vocal about his intentions to address what he perceives as the politicization of the DOJ against Republicans.
“Aaron will lead OLP to develop and implement DOJ’s battle plans to advance my Law and Order Agenda, and restore integrity to our Justice System,” said Trump.
This sentiment is echoed in Trump’s other key appointments, including Chad Mizelle as the next Chief of Staff at the DOJ. Mizelle’s previous experience as General Counsel and Chief of Staff at the Department of Homeland Security aligns with the administration’s focus on border security and immigration control.
Additional Key Nominations
Beyond the Justice Department, Trump has made several other significant nominations. David Fink, with over 45 years of transportation leadership experience, has been tapped to lead the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). This appointment signals Trump’s commitment to enhancing rail safety and technological innovation in the transportation sector.
“David will bring his 45+ years of transportation leadership and success, which will deliver the FRA into a new era of safety and technological innovation. Under David’s guidance, the Federal Railroad Administration will be GREAT again. Congratulations to David!” Trump said.
In a move bridging business and diplomacy, Tilman J. Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets, has been nominated to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy. Fertitta’s nomination recognizes his business acumen and philanthropic efforts, potentially strengthening U.S.-Italy relations through his extensive experience in hospitality and entertainment industries.