Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has just announced that he has withdrawn his nomination to become President Donald Trump’s attorney general.
Last week, Trump rocked Washington D.C. by announcing that he had chosen Gaetz to lead the Department of Justice in his second presidential term.
Gaetz immediately resigned from the House of Representatives to prepare for the position.
However, his nomination was met with a backlash from the Left and even among some establishment Republicans.
On Thursday, Gaetz made the surprise announcement that he has withdrawn from consideration.
He said the move followed many “excellent meetings” with senators, who would have to vote to confirm his nomination.
In a post on X, Gaetz said:
“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.”
“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,” he added.
“Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1,” Gaetz wrote.
“I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history.
“I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will Save America.”
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…
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 21, 2024
President Trump responded to the announcement in a post on Truth Social.
“I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General,” Trump said.
“He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect.
“Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”
Some Republican senators had expressed their doubts about Gaetz’s nomination.
However, many of those same senators had voted for President Biden’s AG Merrick Garland.
In October 2023, Gaetz launched the motion to remove then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
At the time, the House Ethics Committee was investigating claims of sexual assault against Gaetz.
The Justice Department had previously investigated the claims and declined to press charges.
Gaetz resigned from Congress shortly after Trump nominated him last week.
His resignation also pre-empted the potential release of the House Ethics Committee’s report.
This is a breaking news story.
Please check back for updates.
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