Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., withdrew his bid to become attroney general on Nov. 21 over continuing allegations of sexual impropriety. President-elect Donald Trump appointed him on Nov. 13, 2024.
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(Washington, DC) – Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz has removed his name from consideration, after President-elect Trump nominated him for incoming Attorney General. Gaetz shared a message on X explaining his decision follows a long discussion with members of the US Senate, who would have had to confirm the former lawmaker if he was to become AG. Adding he didn’t want to be a distraction for the new Trump-Vance administration, or the transition team.
Gaetz has been dogged by allegations that he slept with a 17-year-old girl in the past. He denies the allegations. A DOJ investigation into the situation did not result in his arrest or the filing of charges. But many in the media have stated allegations of pedophilia or sex abuse as fact. Gaetz says it’s vital the Trump DOJ be in place by day one, so he decided to step aside.
A strong ally of President-elect Trump, some MAGA supporters had hoped Gaetz would work to clean up bias and so-called weaponized prosecution within the DOJ. Others expressed a desire to see him uncover aspects of what happened on January 6, 2021, including whether or not any undercover federal authorities were involved in the demonstration.
