Matt Gaetz withdraws from consideration as Trump’s attorney general
Matt Gaetz has withdrawn from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to serve as U.S. attorney general in his incoming administration.
In a post on X Thursday, Gaetz said that he had “excellent meetings” with senators who had given their feedback and support, but “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,” the former Florida congressman said.
Gaetz had faced intense scrutiny over a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use. A separate Justice Department investigation into allegations Gaetz engaged in sex trafficking ended last year without bringing any charges. He has denied any wrongdoing.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
