Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz has removed himself as the nominee for Attorney General under President-elect Donald Trump.
Gaetz announced his decision on social media on Thursday.
Driving the news: Trump nominated Gaetz, a loyal ally, to be the next Attorney General, which surprised many in Washington D.C.
- Gaetz has faced allegations for sexual misconduct with a minor and was under investigation by the House Ethics Committee.
- He resigned from Congress last week in order to fully pursue his nomination as Attorney General.
What they’re saying: Gaetz said on X that he had excellent meetings with Senators on Wednesday, which led to his decision to not seek the position.
- “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. “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 said he remains committed to seeing Donald Trump be the most successful president in history.
- “II greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General,” Trump said on Truth Social. “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!”
Flashback: Gaetz was the driving force to oust former Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R–Bakersfield) as Speaker of the House last year.
