Former US Representative Matt Gaetz on Thursday announced that he is withdrawing his name from consideration for President-elect Donald Trump‘s attorney general amidst ongoing federal sex trafficking investigations that questioned his suitability for the nation’s top law enforcement position.
Gaetz said that his confirmation was becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance transition.
“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. 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,” Gaetz posted on X.
“Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1. 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,” he added.
Meanwhile Trump said that he appreciates Gaetz effort and that he has wonderful future. “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,” said Trump.
This withdrawal presents a setback for Trump’s strategy to position loyal supporters in his incoming administration and indicates potential opposition from his party regarding controversial nominations.
The announcement followed recent developments where an attorney representing two women stated his clients informed House Ethics Committee investigators about paid sexual encounters with Gaetz, beginning in 2017 during his tenure as Florida congressman. He left his House position following Trump’s Cabinet nomination.
Attorney Joel Leppard reported that one client witnessed Gaetz engaging sexually with a 17-year-old at a Florida gathering in 2017. Leppard indicated his client testified that Gaetz appeared unaware of the girl’s age, ceased contact upon discovery, and resumed relations only after she turned 18, the legal age of consent in Florida.
Gaetz has consistently rejected all allegations of misconduct and stated previously that the Justice Department’s investigation into underage sex trafficking allegations concluded without federal charges against him.