The nomination had faced significant headwinds, with resistance coming even from within Republican ranks. Gaetz, who recently resigned his position as a congressman following Trump’s nomination
Just one week after his nomination by President-elect Donald Trump, Republican Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration for U.S. Attorney General, citing the need to avoid “unnecessarily protracted” political battles in Washington.
“Trump’s attorney general must be ready and made on day one,” Gaetz wrote on X, formerly Twitter, announcing his withdrawal from consideration for the nation’s top law enforcement position.
The nomination had faced significant headwinds, with resistance coming even from within Republican ranks. Gaetz, who recently resigned his position as a congressman following Trump’s nomination, has been a controversial figure in Washington politics, perhaps most notably for his role in orchestrating the removal of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year.
The former congressman’s brief candidacy was overshadowed by past allegations of misconduct. While never formally charged, Gaetz faced investigations into alleged sex crimes and drug offenses. According to reports from The New York Times and Washington Post, investigators explored claims that Gaetz had paid thousands of dollars for sex and allegedly offered gifts to underage girls and escorts. Gaetz has consistently denied all allegations.
First elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and recently re-elected, Gaetz had established himself as a prominent figure in Trump’s political circle. His withdrawal now leaves a significant vacancy in Trump’s prospective cabinet, with no immediate replacement named.
The development marks another setback in Trump’s transition planning, as the president-elect seeks to build his administration amid various challenges. The search for a new attorney general nominee is expected to begin immediately, given Gaetz’s emphasis on the need for day-one readiness in the role.
