Matt Gaetz Withdraws as Trump’s Attorney General Nominee Amid Federal Investigation
In a surprising turn of events, Florida Republican Matt Gaetz announced on Thursday that he would withdraw his name from consideration for attorney general under President-elect Donald Trump. This decision comes amid ongoing scrutiny over a federal sexual trafficking investigation that could jeopardize his confirmation for the crucial role as the nation’s top law enforcement officer.
Gaetz’s announcement followed a meeting with senators aimed at securing support for his nomination. In a statement, he expressed concern that his confirmation process was becoming a distraction from the vital work needed during the Trump/Vance Transition. "There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name," he stated, emphasizing the need for a fully operational Department of Justice by Day 1.
Trump acknowledged Gaetz’s efforts and praised his handling of the situation, noting that while he was performing well in his nomination push, Gaetz’s decision to step aside was driven by his respect for the administration’s focus. The president remarked on Gaetz’s potential, stating, “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”
Gaetz’s withdrawal marks a significant setback for Trump as he seeks to appoint loyalists to his administration. The decision is indicative of the challenges Trump may face, even from fellow Republicans, regarding nominees with contentious backgrounds. The federal investigation has been compounded by allegations from two women claiming that Gaetz paid them for sex, with one alleging he engaged with a 17-year-old in 2017. Gaetz, however, has denied all wrongdoing and stated that the Justice Department’s inquiry had resulted in no federal charges against him.
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