Matt Gaetz on Thursday withdrew from President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general after ongoing scrutiny of the federal sex trafficking investigation cast doubt on the former congressman’s ability to confirm his appointment as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer.
The Florida Republican’s announcement came one day after he met with senators in an attempt to gain their support for his confirmation as head of the Justice Department.
“Although the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation unfairly served as a distraction from the critical work of the Trump/Vance transition,” Gaetz said in a statement announcing his decision. “There is no time to waste on a long, unnecessary fight in Washington, so I will withdraw my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s Justice Department must be prepared and ready on Day One.”
Gaetz’s withdrawal is a blow to Trump’s efforts to install steadfast loyalists in his next administration and the first sign that Trump may face resistance from members of his own party.
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