Washington, D.C. — Florida Republican Matt Gaetz announced Thursday that he is withdrawing as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, following mounting scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that had cast doubts on his ability to secure Senate confirmation.
The announcement ends a contentious eight-day period in which Trump’s post-election momentum faced significant challenges over controversial Cabinet nominations. Gaetz, a staunch Trump ally and former congressman, had faced widespread criticism for his selection due to a past Justice Department investigation and limited legal experience. His withdrawal raises questions about the confirmation prospects for other Trump picks, including Pentagon nominee Pete Hegseth, who faces separate allegations of misconduct.
Gaetz Cites “Unfair Distraction”
In a statement, Gaetz said his potential confirmation had become a “needless distraction” from the work of the Trump transition team.
“There is no time to waste on a protracted Washington scuffle,” Gaetz said. “Trump’s Department of Justice must be in place and ready on Day 1.”
Trump praised Gaetz’s decision, calling him a valued ally and predicting a “wonderful future” for the Florida Republican. The president-elect did not name a replacement for the attorney general role but has already appointed several personal attorneys to senior positions within the department.
Fallout from Scandal and Senate Concerns
Gaetz’s withdrawal preempts what was expected to be a heated confirmation battle. Senate Republicans had expressed concerns about Gaetz’s involvement in a federal sex trafficking investigation, which ended last year without charges. Additional allegations surfaced recently, with testimony from women who claimed Gaetz had paid for sex in 2017, including with a then-17-year-old. Gaetz has consistently denied the allegations.
The Justice Department’s investigation had sparked fears among senators about Gaetz’s ability to lead the department impartially. Critics noted his limited legal experience and close alignment with Trump’s rhetoric, including claims of a “weaponized” justice system.
Ethics and Political Uncertainty
Gaetz’s abrupt resignation from Congress following his nomination added to the controversy. While this effectively ended a House Ethics Committee probe into sexual misconduct allegations, the committee has yet to release its findings. A special election will be held to fill his seat.
Senators offered mixed reactions to the withdrawal. Maine Republican Susan Collins said Gaetz “put the country first” with his decision, while Florida Senator Rick Scott expressed disappointment, calling Gaetz a potential “change agent” for the Justice Department.
Broader Implications for Trump’s Cabinet
Gaetz’s withdrawal is the latest challenge for Trump as he assembles his Cabinet. Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, is under scrutiny after a police report surfaced alleging sexual assault in 2017—a charge Hegseth denies. The controversies surrounding both nominees highlight the difficulties Trump faces in gaining Senate approval for his team.
As the Trump administration prepares for its first term, the fallout from these high-profile withdrawals may set the tone for ongoing battles over the president-elect’s leadership team.