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Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz Thursday withdrew his name from consideration for attorney general, citing the mounting controversy surrounding his potential appointment as a “distraction” to the incoming Trump administration. Gaetz’s announcement came as a congressional ethics report detailing allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use against him continued to dominate headlines.
The withdrawal marked a significant setback for President-elect Donald Trump, who had personally selected Gaetz for the high-profile role of leading the Department of Justice. Gaetz, 42, took to X (formerly Twitter) to explain his decision, saying that while he remained deeply committed to Trump’s vision, the controversy was overshadowing the administration’s priorities.
Gaetz’s nomination had been clouded by a years-long investigation by a congressional ethics panel into allegations of sexual misconduct, bribery, and drug use. The claims, some of which dated back to 2017, included accusations that Gaetz paid women, including a minor, for sex. A separate federal investigation into sex trafficking concluded without charges, but the congressional probe appeared to have more traction.
The Ethics Committee, evenly split along party lines, had recently debated whether to release its findings. The panel’s chairman, Republican Michael Guest, stated on Thursday that Gaetz’s withdrawal effectively ended the committee’s involvement in the matter. “He is no longer a member of Congress, so there is no basis for further action on our part,” Guest said.
The looming threat of a publicized report had reportedly complicated Gaetz’s path to confirmation in the Senate. Some Republican lawmakers privately expressed concerns, while others feared the nomination battle would distract from the broader goals of the Trump administration.
In a post on X, Gaetz described his decision as one made out of respect for Trump and his agenda. “President Trump’s Justice Department must be in place and ready to go on Day One,” he wrote. “I will forever be honored that President Trump trusted me to lead the Department of Justice, but the country’s priorities must come first.”
Trump, speaking on his Truth Social platform, praised Gaetz for his dedication and assured supporters that he had a “wonderful future” ahead. “Matt Gaetz was doing incredibly well in this process but did not want to detract from the work we need to accomplish. He is a patriot,” Trump said.
Gaetz’s resignation from his House seat last week, following his nomination, has left questions about his next move. Despite his re-election in November, analysts suggest it’s unlikely he’ll return to Congress, as doing so could trigger the release of the Ethics Committee report. Some speculate that Gaetz may eye a Senate position, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis potentially appointing him to a vacancy if Senator Marco Rubio is confirmed as Trump’s Secretary of State.
Alternatively, Gaetz could pursue a role within the administration that does not require Senate confirmation. For now, however, his political future remains uncertain.
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