Former Congressman Matt Gaetz, a staunch ally of President-elect Donald Trump, has announced his withdrawal from consideration for the United States attorney general position following increased scrutiny over past sexual misconduct allegations.
The decision, made public on Thursday, comes just days after Trump named Gaetz as his top pick for the role.
“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. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1,” Gaetz wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
He added that his focus remains on ensuring Trump’s success, stating, “I remain fully committed to seeing that Donald J. Trump is the most successful president in history.”
Gaetz’s candidacy faced challenges due to allegations dating back to 2017, including claims of sexual misconduct and involvement with a 17-year-old, though no charges were filed following a DOJ investigation.
Trump expressed gratitude for Gaetz’s loyalty, saying, “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”
While Gaetz’s withdrawal may ease political tensions, it highlights the need for stricter oversight and accountability within government appointments to safeguard public trust.
