Following continued scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation, Matt Gaetz has withdrawn as President-elect Donald Trump's pick for attorney general. Gaetz's decision came after meeting with senators in an attempt to secure their support for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department.
In a statement announcing his withdrawal, Gaetz expressed that his confirmation was becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition and emphasized the need for a swift and efficient transition at the Department of Justice.
President Trump acknowledged Gaetz's efforts and expressed appreciation for his willingness to seek approval for the position. However, Trump also noted that Gaetz did not want to be a distraction for the incoming administration.
Gaetz's withdrawal marks a setback for Trump's efforts to appoint loyalists to key positions in his administration and highlights potential resistance from within his own party to controversial picks.
The decision to withdraw comes in the wake of allegations made by two women to the House Ethics Committee, claiming that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions. One of the women testified that she witnessed Gaetz engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old at a party in Florida in 2017. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and stated that the Justice Department's investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls did not result in federal charges against him.
Despite the controversy surrounding his nomination, Gaetz remains optimistic about his future and the opportunities that lie ahead. The withdrawal of his nomination underscores the challenges faced by the Trump administration in navigating contentious appointments and ensuring a smooth transition of power.
