Matt Gaetz, unable to escape sexual misconduct allegations, steps down from leadership of Justice Department
Matt Gaetz withdrew Thursday from President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general after continued scrutiny of a federal sex trafficking investigation cast doubt on the former congressman’s confirmation as the nation’s federal law enforcement chief.
The Florida Republican Party’s announcement came a day after meeting with senators in an effort to win their support to confirm him to lead the Justice Department.
“While the momentum is strong, it is clear that my confirmation has become an unfair distraction from the important work of Transition,” Gaetz said in a statement announcing his decision. Trump/Vance exchange”. “There is no more time to waste in an unnecessary, drawn-out brawl in Washington, so I will withdraw my name from consideration for the position of Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be ready and willing on Day One.”
Gaetz’s withdrawal is a blow to Trump’s efforts to bring steadfast loyalists into his incoming administration and is the first sign that Trump may face resistance from his constituents. member of his political party.
The former Florida Congressman resigned from Congress earlier this month, effectively ending an ethics investigation into allegations of sex trafficking, sexual misconduct and drug use after Trump appointed him minister of justice. The choice has raised concerns among Democrats and Republicans, the latter of whom appears to be inconsistent behind the Trump loyalist.
