© Amanda Andrade-Rhoades / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
gaetz_imagn
Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general on Thursday, following growing scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that raised doubts about his ability to secure Senate confirmation as the nation’s top law enforcement official.
The Florida Republican’s decision came one day after he met with senators in an attempt to garner support for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department.
“While momentum was strong, it became clear that my confirmation was unfairly turning into a distraction from the important work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz said in a statement. “There is no time for a prolonged Washington battle, so I am withdrawing my name from consideration. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready from Day 1.”
Gaetz’s withdrawal marks a setback for Trump’s efforts to appoint loyal allies to key positions in his administration and signals the first sign of potential resistance from within his own party.
