- Withdrawal from Confirmation Process: Matt Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for US Attorney General, has withdrawn from the confirmation process.
- Allegations and Investigations: Gaetz faced allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor, drug use, and misappropriating campaign funds, which led to a congressional panel investigation.
- Opposition from Republican Party: He faced significant opposition from within his own Republican Party, making Senate confirmation uncertain.
- Trump’s Response: Trump expressed support for Gaetz, stating he has a “wonderful future” ahead.
Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, was nominated by Trump for the top legal role despite being scandal-plagued. His withdrawal marks an early setback for the incoming administration ¹. Gaetz was one of Trump’s contentious selections, alongside Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary, and billionaire Elon Musk to head a government cost-cutting unit.
Gaetz cited the distraction his confirmation was causing to the Trump/Vance Transition as the reason for his withdrawal. He had resigned from Congress shortly after being nominated. Trump responded positively to Gaetz’s withdrawal, expressing optimism about his future.
The withdrawal comes amid controversy surrounding other Trump nominations, including Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, who was investigated for sexual assault in 2017. The investigation was closed without charges, but new details have emerged, adding to the transition turmoil.
