US Politics

Gaetz withdraws as Trump's attorney general pick

Author: Editors Desk Source: CNN:::

November 21, 2024 at 12:40

Then-Rep. Matt Gaetz attends the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 16, 2024. Patrick T. FallonAFP/Getty Images/File

He made the announcement after accusations of having sex with an underage woman in 2017

Former GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz is withdrawing from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general, he said in a post on X Thursday.

The former Florida lawmaker said he made the decision after meeting with senators Wednesday.

“While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz wrote. “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.”

Trump’s selection of Gaetz came under heavy scrutiny, as the House Ethics Committee weighed releasing a report on allegations of wrongdoing, including “sexual misconduct and illicit drug use,” by the Republican.

Gaetz has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

This post has been updated with additional details on Gaetz and his statement.