Former GOP Representative Matt Gaetz announced on Thursday that he is withdrawing his name from being President Donald Trump’s attorney general.
“I had excellent meetings with the Senators yesterday,” Gaetz wrote in another article on X. “I appreciate their thoughtful response – and the amazing support of many. Although the force was strong, it is clear that my emphasis was wrongly confusing. To the important work of Trump / Vance Transition There is no time to waste on an unnecessary Washington scuffle, so I will be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ should be in place and ready on Sunday 1.”
“I remain fully committed to ensuring that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history,” Gaetz added. “I will always be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I am confident that he will save America.”
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Gaetz told Trump late Thursday morning that he would withdraw, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News.
Trump released a statement after Gaetz’s announcement saying he appreciates his “recent efforts” to seek Senate approval.
“He’s been doing well but, at the same time, he didn’t want to disrupt the Department, which he has the utmost respect for,” Trump wrote. “Matt has a bright future, and I look forward to seeing all the great things he will do!”
PHOTO: President Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz closes the door to a private meeting with Vice President-elect JD Vance and members of the Republican Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington, Nov. 20, 2024. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)
Trump announced last Wednesday that he is tapping Gaetz to serve as the nation’s top law enforcement officer. Gaetz, a conservative firebrand in Congress, resigned recently.
The decision surprised many Republicans on Capitol Hill and raised eyebrows within the Justice Department.
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Gaetz has been under investigation amid allegations of adultery, including allegations that he had sex with a minor, which he has long denied.
Sources told ABC News in the past few days it became clear to Trump’s team that Gaetz was not going to get enough votes for Senate confirmation with sources close to the president-elect telling ABC News “there is no way to get to 50 senators”.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Matt Gaetz withdraws his name to be Donald Trump’s top lawyer at first abcnews.go.com