Matt Gaetz Withdraws from Consideration for U.S. Attorney General

U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, has announced his decision to withdraw from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump‘s nominee for U.S. Attorney General. This development was revealed in a statement Gaetz posted on his X account on Thursday, October 2, 2023.

Gaetz expressed gratitude for the support he received during meetings with senators, indicating that momentum was strong. However, he acknowledged that his potential confirmation was becoming a distraction for the transition team. «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,» Gaetz stated.

The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to requests for comment from CNBC. The appointment of Gaetz had reignited interest in past allegations of sexual misconduct against him, which had been previously investigated by the Department of Justice and the House Ethics Committee. Despite being investigated, the Justice Department ultimately chose not to charge Gaetz, who has consistently denied the allegations.

Gaetz’s candidature faced significant hurdles during the confirmation process, following Trump’s announcement of his intended nomination just a week prior. The former congressman emphasized the necessity for a ready and functional Department of Justice come January, stating, «Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1.»

These unfolding events mark a notable moment in the transition phase leading up to Trump’s presidency, bringing attention to both legislative procedures and the personal histories of public figures involved.