‘It is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work’ of the Trump administration, Gaetz says.
Former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz wrote Thursday he is withdrawing himself from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for U.S. attorney general.
“It is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work” of the Trump administration, Gaetz wrote in a statement posted to social media platform X.
I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance…
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 21, 2024
Gaetz said he met with senators a day earlier and had “thoughtful feedback” and received “incredible support” from many of them.
Gaetz faced congressional, federal, and media scrutiny over allegations that would have complicated his path to confirmation as the nation’s top federal prosecutor.
The House Ethics Committee in April 2021 announced an investigation into whether Gaetz allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct, engaged in illegal drug use, “shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor,” misused state identification records, used campaign funds for personal use, and took bribes, it said.
The committee announced Wednesday that it would not release the final report for the time being.
Last year, the former Florida lawmaker said in a statement that the Department of Justice (DOJ) had ended a related sex trafficking investigation with no charges against him. He has also has categorically denied claims related to the ethics panel’s investigation, noting that the DOJ ended that probe.
“The Department of Justice has confirmed to Congressman Gaetz’s attorneys that their investigation has concluded and that he will not be charged with any crimes,” a statement from his office said last year.
Earlier this week, an attorney involved in a civil case brought by a Gaetz associate was told this week about an unknown person’s unauthorized access to case documents.
Trump and his campaign have not released any public statements on Gaetz’s decision to withdraw himself from consideration. The Epoch Times has contacted the Trump campaign for comment Thursday.
Gaetz resigned from his congressional seat on Nov. 13 after he was named as Trump’s choice for attorney general. However, he had won reelection for the upcoming Congress on Nov. 5 .
This is a breaking news story, and more details will follow.
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