In a shocking turn of events, former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has officially withdrawn his name from consideration for Attorney General in President Donald Trump’s administration, following a hectic week marked by political maneuvering and allegations of misconduct, TTOA previously reported.
The fallout began after a phone call with Trump on Thursday morning, where the president-elect laid out the stark political realities surrounding Gaetz’s nomination, according to the Daily Mail.
Gaetz had spent the previous day in Washington, D.C., meeting with key GOP senators alongside Vice President-elect J.D. Vance.
Insiders reported that these meetings were intended to secure the necessary votes for confirmation and initial feedback was reportedly positive.
However, as the week progressed, it became clear that Gaetz faced significant challenges in gaining Senate approval.
Sources close to Trump indicated that the ex-GOP congressman was unlikely to overcome the opposition he faced from several Republican senators, including Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).
“At best this was going to be complicated and drag on into February, March,” one source said. “And a strong A.G. is central to everything Trump wants to get started on on day one … immigration, overhauling the D.O.J. …”
Trump reportedly told Gaetz that he was unable to sway the votes the former congressman needed for confirmation.
“They spoke and Trump made clear that he couldn’t move the votes in the direction that they needed to move,” a source said. “Gaetz’s decision came after that.”
On Thursday, as rumors of a federal sex trafficking investigation loomed over him, Gaetz made the decision to withdraw his nomination.
Gaetz made the announcement on social media.
“There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle,” he said, emphasizing that he did not want to be a distraction for Trump’s administration.
“Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1,” he added. “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.”
His withdrawal came just days after Trump had expressed unwavering support for him, indicating there was no Plan B for the attorney general position.
While visiting the historic SpaceX Starship launch, a reporter asked the president-elect if he was reconsidering his nominee for attorney general.
In response, Trump said, “No.”
Gaetz has faced allegations of sexual misconduct, including claims related to a 17-year-old girl, which he has consistently denied. The House Ethics Committee was poised to release findings on these allegations, further complicating his path to confirmation.
In light of Gaetz’s withdrawal, Trump quickly pivoted to announce former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his new pick for the role.
Reactions from Republican senators were mixed but leaned towards relief. Many expressed gratitude that a potentially lengthy confirmation battle had been avoided.
Maine Sen. Susan Collins (R) remarked that Gaetz had “put country first” in his decision to withdraw.
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
Leave a Comment