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       Former Representative Matt Gaetz.Credit...Jamie Kelter Davis for The New York Times

       Trump’s picks surprised even his own party Republican lawmakers reacted with dismay at some of President-elect Donald Trump’s picks for critical roles in his administration this week. His choice of Matt Gaetz to lead the Justice Department was met with particular skepticism.

       One Republican lawmaker described Gaetz, a former congressman who is the focus of an ethics investigation over sexual misconduct and other charges, as not “a serious candidate.”

       Lawmakers in both parties yesterday called on the congressional panel to release the results of the investigation into Gaetz’s alleged misconduct.

       Trump’s choice of vocal allies instead of experienced candidates demonstrated his desire to shatter Washington norms. It’s also his first show of force to Senate Republicans, who will be under immense pressure to confirm his nominees.

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       “I don’t quite know what this looks like in term of the confirmation hearing, but this will potentially be another test,” Maggie Haberman, our senior political correspondent, said. Here’s how our reporters reacted to Gaetz’s nomination.

       Trump’s choice of Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and Army veteran, as secretary of defense, and of Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman who switched parties, as the director of national intelligence, also raised eyebrows.

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