'Won't even be close': Up to 30 GOP senators reportedly willing to reject Gaetz nomination

President-elect Donald Trump can't afford to lose the support of more than three Republican senators for his most contentious nominees — but insiders say far more than three could do just that, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday evening.

Trump has faced criticism this week over his selection of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) for attorney general, former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii for director of national intelligence and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for secretary of Health and Human Services.

Senate Republicans have said Gaetz in particular could have trouble making it through a confirmation hearing.

On Thursday evening, people familiar with discussions among Senate Republicans told the Journal that far more than three are prepared to reject Gaetz's nomination should the matter come up for a vote. Some have also said discussions are ongoing about trying to persuade Trump to rescind his nomination of Gaetz, or to have Gaetz withdraw his name, according to the report.

“It’s simply that Matt Gaetz has a very long, steep hill to get across the finish line,” Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) told the Journal. “And it will require the spending of a lot of capital, and you just have to ask: if you could get him across the finish line, was it worth the cost?”

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Another person familiar with the discussions told the Journal as many as 30 Republican senators may cast a "no" vote on Gaetz.

“It won’t even be close,” that person said.

Gaetz has faced several serious allegations and investigations but has not been formally charged with any crimes. The Department of Justice conducted a lengthy investigation into allegations that Gaetz was involved in the sex trafficking of a minor. The probe centered around claims that Gaetz and his associate paid underage girls and escorts for sex. That probe ended last year with no charges filed.

He was also under investigation by the House Ethics Committee over allegations, including sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, accepting improper gifts, and attempting to obstruct government investigation. A vote on whether to release the results of that probe was expected Friday. The probe effectively ended when Gaetz resigned from Congress following his nomination.