Matt Gaetz Withdraws as Trump's Attorney General Nominee Amid Controversy

Matt Gaetz, former Florida congressman and President-elect Donald Trump’s initial choice for U.S. Attorney General, has withdrawn from consideration. The announcement, made Thursday, comes after intense scrutiny over past allegations of misconduct that many feared would overshadow his confirmation process and the broader goals of the Trump administration.

Gaetz cited the growing controversy as his reason for stepping aside, stating, “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.” He emphasized the need for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to hit the ground running on Day 1, which he felt would be hindered by a prolonged confirmation battle.

The allegations against Gaetz have been a persistent source of tension. A previous DOJ investigation into claims of sexual misconduct and trafficking ended without charges, yet the House Ethics Committee later resumed its probe into the former congressman’s behavior. This week, reports surfaced that a woman had testified to the ethics panel about alleged encounters with Gaetz when she was 17. Though Gaetz has consistently denied the allegations, the resulting controversy added significant pressure to his nomination bid.

Trump acknowledged Gaetz’s decision on Truth Social, commending his loyalty and understanding of DOJ reform but supporting the withdrawal to avoid distractions. The transition team reaffirmed their commitment to selecting an Attorney General capable of ending what they describe as the weaponization of the justice system. Among the rumored replacements are Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey and former White House attorney Mark Paoletta, both of whom have strong conservative credentials.

Gaetz’s withdrawal underscores the complex dynamics surrounding political appointments in Washington. While his resignation from Congress removed him from the Ethics Committee’s jurisdiction, lingering concerns about his past remain a political flashpoint. As Trump’s team works to fill the critical role of Attorney General, the focus shifts to finding a candidate capable of advancing their agenda without the shadow of controversy.