Former Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew himself from consideration to serve as the attorney general in Donald Trump’s second administration.
“I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz wrote in a post on X.
“There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1,” he continued.
Gaetz reportedly informed President-elect Trump late Thursday morning that he’d be withdrawing.
Though Republicans will control the Senate 53-47 next year, it became clear that Gaetz faces an uphill battle to be confirmed as the next attorney general.
Gaetz had been investigated for alleged sex trafficking by the Justice Department and by the House Ethics Committee for alleged sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, inappropriate relationships with underage girls, and other claims. He has denied any wrongdoing
On Wednesday Republicans on the Ethics committee voted to block the release of the report.
