Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) announced on Thursday that he was withdrawing his name from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general nominee. The former congressman’s decision comes as Republicans in the U.S. Senate appeared doubtful that he would be confirmed.
According to The Post Millennial, the former Florida representative’s announcement came shortly after documents from the House Ethics Committee’s investigation into Gaetz’s alleged sexual misconduct were leaked to The New York Times.
In a statement shared on X, formerly Twitter, Gaetz wrote, “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 explained there was “no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle” with the upcoming transition of power in the federal government and emphasized that the president-elect’s attorney general needs to be ready to go on “Day 1″ of the administration. As a result, Gaetz said, I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General.”
READ MORE: Matt Gaetz resigns after Trump attorney general nomination
“I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history,” Gaetz added. “I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will Save America.”
After Trump announced Gaetz as his nominee for attorney general in the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election, the Republican congressman resigned from his position as a Florida representative in the House of Representatives. Following his decision to withdraw his name for consideration as attorney general, it is not yet clear whether Gaetz could return to his position as a congressman.
Fox News reported that Gaetz’s controversial nomination came amid a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations that the Republican congressman engaged in sexual misconduct with a 17-year-old minor.
Following Gaetz’s announcement on Thursday, Trump released a statement on Truth Social, saying, “I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. 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!”
