TL/DR –
Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name from being considered as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for US attorney general, stating his confirmation was becoming a distraction to the transition of power. Gaetz had been nominated by Trump just a week earlier and was one of Trump’s most controversial nominations due to past investigations into his potential involvement in sex trafficking and sexual misconduct. Gaetz’s quick decision suggests that he realized he would not win the necessary Senate votes for confirmation, especially as several GOP senators had expressed their discomfort with his nomination.
Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz rapidly withdrew from consideration as Trump’s pick for US attorney general, indicating a lack of necessary Senate votes post-Trump’s inauguration.
Ex-Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz announced his withdrawal from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s US attorney general nominee.
“Amidst strong momentum, my confirmation was becoming a distraction to the vital Trump/Vance transition,” Gaetz declared.
Nominated by Trump a week prior, Gaetz was instantly a contentious choice due to previous investigations by the department he was slated to lead.
Gaetz was implicated in a scheme leading to sex trafficking of a minor, but the DOJ didn’t charge him.
Furthermore, he was investigated for potential sexual misconduct and drug misuse. However, he stepped down from his House seat before the probe concluded.
His GOP colleagues believe the impending report prompted his resignation. A minor claimed to have had two sexual encounters with Gaetz in 2017, according to CNN sources.
Gaetz’s speedy withdrawal suggests he anticipated not securing the required Senate votes after Trump’s inauguration.
With all Senate Democrats likely opposing his appointment, only three GOP defections were permissible. However, numerous GOP senators indicated discomfort with his nomination within a week.
Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) said Gaetz took the right step by withdrawing. “He understood this would be a distraction,” she added.
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