President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. attorney general, Matt Gaetz, told reporters today that he is withdrawing his name from consideration as Trump’s pick, this according to multiple media outlets.
Gaetz posted his decision to is X account today, saying:
“I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many,” Gaetz said in a statement posted on his X account.
“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,” said the former Republican congressman from Florida.
“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,” he said.
I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance…
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 21, 2024
Per a Reuters report, Gaetz’s announcement comes a day after the House Ethics Committee deadlocked on releasing a report into allegations of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use by Gaetz, and after he met with Republican senators whose support would be needed to become attorney general.
Donald Trump has yet to address who would replace the former Florida congressman as his top pick for the AG role.
This is an developing story. Check back for further updates.