Matt Gaetz is the first Trump nominee to withdraw

November 21,2024 – WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) reportedly is withdrawing from consideration as President-elect Donald J. Trump's (R) nominee to be attorney general.

Vice President-elect U.S. Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) had introduced Gaetz to Senators on Wednesday. Whatever happened there apparently convinced Gaetz that his nomination could not move forward.

Gaetz announced the decision in a message on X:

"I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday," said Gaetz on Twitter. "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 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."

Gaetz is one of Trump's most outspoken supporters.

"I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history," said Gaetz. "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, who has already resigned the House seat he was just re-elected to, hinted that this will not be the end of his political career.

"This doesn't end here,' said Gaetz. "Soon to be a Florida Senate seat open..."

Gaetz was the first Trump nominee to withdraw.

"I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General," said the once and future President on Truth Social. "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!"

Gaetz resigned from Congress before a House Ethics Committee report was to be released detailing alleged inappropriate sexual liaisons, potential illicit drug use, and accepting inappropriate gifts.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) urged the Committee not to release the report given that Gaetz is no longer a member of the body. House Democrats want the report made public.

The committee is scheduled to meet on Dec. 5. There is a possibility that the Committee may still vote to release the report, which is close to completion, then. If the Republican members of the committee are able to suppress the report it is possible that the full House may vote to release the report.

The panel has been investigating Gaetz for the last three-and-a-half years.

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