Matt Gaetz, a hardline Republican and former U.S. Representative, has withdrawn his name from consideration as Attorney General in Donald Trump’s incoming administration. The decision follows opposition from Senate Republicans, citing concerns about Gaetz’s past conduct and an ongoing Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct with a 17-year-old girl, which Gaetz denies.
The nomination tested Trump’s influence over Congress, where Republicans will hold majorities next year. Gaetz, who resigned from the House last week, was controversial within his party, particularly for orchestrating the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which disrupted House operations for weeks. Senate Republicans resisted voting on his appointment without the Ethics Committee’s findings.
In a post on X, Gaetz stated his withdrawal was to prevent unnecessary distractions for the incoming administration. “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle,” he wrote. “Trump’s DOJ must be ready on Day 1.”
Gaetz had no prior experience in the Justice Department or as a prosecutor. He was previously investigated by the FBI for potential sex trafficking violations, a case closed last year without charges.
Gaetz’s nomination signaled Trump’s intent to reshape the Justice Department to target political opponents, aligning with Trump’s rhetoric of retribution amid his own legal battles. Trump, under multiple federal investigations and indictments, has denied all charges, calling them politically motivated, and has vowed to use the DOJ against adversaries upon returning to power on January 20.
Also read: Pentagon Nominee Pete Hegseth Faces Resurfaced 2017 Assault Allegation
