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Matt Gaetz, the former Florida representative and nominee for Attorney General under Donald Trump’s administration, has withdrawn his candidacy, citing the “distraction” caused by allegations surrounding his personal conduct.
Tribune Online reports Trump on November 14 nominated Gaetz, his longtime ally as his Attorney General.
In a statement released on Thursday, Gaetz said his decision was in the interest of ensuring the Trump/Vance transition team could proceed without unnecessary delays.
He 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.”
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The announcement follows months of scrutiny over allegations that Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor.
The House Ethics Committee had been investigating the claims and subpoenaed him as recently as September. Gaetz, who had been a vocal defender of his innocence, informed the panel he would no longer participate in the probe shortly before resigning from Congress last week.
Gaetz’s decision leaves the Trump team scrambling to fill the Attorney General role. Reports indicate a shortlist of potential nominees includes figures such as Mark Paoletta, a former White House attorney, and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who assumed office in 2022.
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