Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has withdrawn his name for consideration for attorney general amid growing controversy over sexual misconduct allegations. "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 on X.
"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."
President-Elect Trump acknowledged Gaetz' efforts in a statement on Truth Social:
I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General.
He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect.
Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!
It's unclear what's next for Gaetz, as he resigned from Congress after Trump picked him for consideration. Rubio's Senate seat?