WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz posted on X he is withdrawing his name from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general. It comes one day after Gaetz met with multiple senators on Capitol Hill attempting to gain support.
Allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use, which he denied, plagued his nomination.
Gaetz’s announcement sent aftershocks through Capitol Hill, just over a week after his nomination created a political earthquake and many senators had something to say.
Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) was not surprised.
“Apparently he was aware of reality,” said Welch.
Gaetz pulled out following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation and as the House Ethics Committee discusses whether to release its report on Gaetz.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) respects his decision.
“The president nominated someone, they chose to not go forward, now he’ll nominate someone else,” said Graham.
In Gaetz’s statement, he said his meetings with senators Wednesday went well but, “Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day One.”
Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) says it’s time to move on.
“And I look forward to a new nominee we can get fully behind,” said Cramer.
On Truth Social President-elect Donald Trump said, “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”
Senator Chris Doons (D-Del.) is looking toward the next nomination.
“I think his confirmation process will move more quickly and be more successful if he nominates more confirmable candidates,” said Coons.
There’s no word yet on who President-elect Trump will select as his new pick for attorney general.
