Matt Gaetz Withdraws From AG Nomination
Matt Gaetz has withdrawn from being considered in the running for attorney general. The former Florida representative announced his decision on Thursday afternoon in a social media post, citing the controversy surrounding him as a “distraction” from the work that President-elect Donald Trump is trying to accomplish.
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,” he wrote 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.”
Gaetz’s announcement comes one day after the House Ethics Committee declined to release the reports on him, following allegations that he had sexual contact with a 17-year-old high school student, as well as being involved in sex trafficking.
Last week, Gaetz resigned from his position as a Florida representative after Trump nominated him to serve as his attorney general, which shocked many lawmakers, considering the allegations against him.
In 2021, the committee began a probe into allegations concerning Gaetz over speculation that he had sexual contact with a minor during a party they attended in 2017, which was hosted at the residence of Chris Dorworth, a friend and lobbyist, as TTOA previously reported.
The committee terminated its investigation after the Justice Department launched its own probe. However, since the DOJ did not pursue charges against Gaetz, the House committee decided to reopen its investigation.
The committee met on Wednesday to decide whether to release its report on Gaetz to the public. On Friday, House Speaker Mike Johnson urged the committee not to release the reports, warning that it could have harmful consequences and set an undesirable precedent.
Before the meeting, Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest (R-AL) told reporters that he was hesitant about releasing the reports, stating that it was unfinished and in its “final review” stages.
During their deliberation, which lasted hours, the panel could not reach an agreement on the matter.
Gaetz was also on Capitol Hill, reaching out to senators he needed to confirm his nomination.
Despite withdrawing from the position, Gaetz said that he is still “fully committed” to ensuring that Trump’s presidency is successful.
“I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history,” he wrote. “I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will Save America.”
The news of Gaetz’s withdrawal came as a surprise and shock to his colleagues.
“I’m surprised,” Senator John Kennedy (R., La.) told reporters inside the Capitol, per the National Review. “When we met we talked mostly about procedure, how a judiciary confirmation committee works.”
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham said that he respected Gaetz’s decision after meeting with him Wednesday to support his nomination.
“I respect former Representative Matt Gaetz’s decision to withdraw his name from consideration and appreciate his willingness to serve at the highest level of our government,” he wrote. “He is very smart and talented and will continue to contribute to our nation’s wellbeing for years to come.”
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