Matt Gaetz Withdraws Attorney General Nomination, Who Will Trump Choose Next?

Matt Gaetz, former Florida representative and one of Donald Trump's more controversial appointees, announced Thursday that he is withdrawing from consideration for attorney general. Gaetz cited his confirmation process as a "distraction" to the incoming administration, marking a significant development in Trump's efforts to finalize his cabinet ahead of his second term.

In a statement shared on social media, Gaetz said, "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. Trump's DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1."

Trump, responding to the announcement on Truth Social, expressed gratitude for Gaetz's efforts and confidence in his future prospects. "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!" the president-elect wrote.

Gaetz's nomination faced immediate challenges. The former congressman had been under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, and improper financial transactions. While Gaetz consistently denied the allegations, calling the investigation a "smear" campaign, the accusations loomed large. The Justice Department also conducted a separate probe into allegations of sex trafficking and obstruction but declined to press charges last year.

The controversy surrounding Gaetz's past raised doubts among senators regarding his confirmation chances. Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine noted that there were "a lot of red flags," while Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota commented, "I thought from the beginning it was problematic. As some of our members have expressed, there was perhaps some information out there that the president was not aware of when he made the original recommendation."

The Ethics Committee's findings, while not publicly released, reportedly included allegations from multiple women who claimed Gaetz had paid them for sex. One witness alleged she saw Gaetz engage in sexual activity with a 17-year-old at a party in 2017. House investigators subpoenaed financial records, including Venmo transactions, which they said corroborated parts of the claims. With Gaetz stepping down from Congress last week, the committee's jurisdiction over him has ended, leaving uncertainty over whether its findings will be released.

"I think the decision to withdraw the nomination is the right decision to make," Senator Rounds said following the announcement. "This should end the discussion of whether or not the Ethics Committee should continue to move forward in this matter."

The withdrawal of Gaetz's nomination is the first significant setback for Trump as he assembles his cabinet for a second term. It also shifts focus to Trump's embattled pick for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, who faces allegations of sexual misconduct stemming from a 2017 incident. Like Gaetz, Hegseth denies wrongdoing.

Gaetz's withdrawal also raises questions about who will lead the Department of Justice. Potential replacements include Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey and Senator Mike Lee of Utah, both of whom have been suggested as less divisive candidates. Bailey, known for his staunchly conservative stances, has frequently clashed with the Biden administration, while Lee, a respected Republican senator, is seen as someone who could more easily navigate the confirmation process.

For Gaetz, the withdrawal marks a pause in his political ascent, though he signaled his continued loyalty to Trump. "I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice, and I'm certain he will Save America," Gaetz said in his statement.