Former Representative Matt Gaetz (R., Fla.) is withdrawing his name from consideration to be President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general, he announced Thursday.
Gaetz said that the Ethics Committee investigation into allegations he paid underage women for sex had become too much of a distraction as Trump works to staff his incoming administration.
“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 said in a statement shared on X.
“I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will Save America.”
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
Gaetz resigned his congressional seat last week upon Trump’s decision to pick him for attorney general, a selection that sent shockwaves throughout Washington and appeared to set the stage for a bitter confirmation fight. Gaetz’s resignation came just days before the Ethics Committee was set to release a report on its investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. Gaetz has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
“I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. 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!” Trump said on Truth Social.
The withdrawal announcement came after Gaetz met with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to discuss the confirmation process. Several Senate Republicans were hesitant to confirm Gaetz and had expressed a desire to read the ethics report before deciding whether to support him. Some members of the caucus had expressed reservations about Gaetz’s policy positions, including his support for marijuana legalization, and his poor temperament, NR reported earlier this week.
The Ethics Committee deadlocked during a Wednesday vote on whether to release their report on Gaetz, delaying the release at least for now.
Joel Leppard, an attorney for two women who testified to the congressional panel told multiple media outlets earlier this week that his clients were paid for “sexual favors” and that one of them witnessed Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old girl. The witness believed Gaetz was unaware that the girl was a minor until afterwards.
The then-minor told the Ethics Committee she had a second sexual encounter with Gaetz on the same night that included another adult woman, CNN reported moments before Gaetz’s withdrawal, citing sources familiar with her testimony. The woman’s attorney and Leppard both urged the Ethics Committee to release the report.
Upon hearing the news of Gaetz’s withdrawal, Republican Senators were surprised at the announcement but called it a positive development.
“I’m surprised,” Senator John Kennedy (R., La.) told reporters inside the Capitol. He had positive things to say about Gaetz and recounted his meeting with the former congressman.
“When we met we talked mostly about procedure, how a judiciary confirmation committee works.”
Senator Markwayne Mullin (R., Okla.), a past critic of Gaetz’s alleged behavior, said he was not involved with the decision making but praised Gaetz’s choice.
“I think because of the reports that were coming out, it was probably a good decision,” Mullin (R., Okla.) told reporters.
“I have not publicly spoken harshly about him since the nomination, even though what I said was accurate when I said it. But I also respect President Trump’s ability to pick the right people he needs in his cabinet to get his job done. I think what Matt decided to do here was a decision he had to come to and probably a positive decision for the administration moving forward.”
Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R., S.D.) told reporters it was up to Gaetz to make the decision on withdrawing from consideration.
Senate GOP Leader John Thune when asked about Gaetz withdrawing as AG:
“It’s his call, his decision. And he’s got to do what’s in the best interest of him and his family, but I respect the decision.”
— Audrey Fahlberg (@AudreyFahlberg) November 21, 2024
“It’s his call, his decision. And he’s got to do what’s in the best interest of him and his family, but I respect the decision,” Thune said.
GOP Senator Rick Scott, a Florida colleague of Gaetz’s, spoke positively of him and expressed confidence in Susie Wiles, Trump’s pick for White House chief of staff. Wiles previously orchestrated Scott’s 2010 gubernatorial victory.
“Susie Wiles is a class act. She knows what she’s doing. My experience with Susie’s been great,” Scott said.
“My experience with Matt was positive. I think Susie Wiles does a great job. I think Trump needs somebody to do a good job,” he added. “It’s a choice for Matt Gaetz.”