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Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who President-elect Donald Trump had nominated to serve as U.S. Attorney General, announced Thursday that he has withdrawn his name from consideration for the role.
Gaetz, who resigned from his seat in U.S. Congress after Trump nominated him for Attorney General, was in meetings behind closed doors on Wednesday with Republican senators, trying to secure their support for his nomination.
But just after noon on Thursday, Gaetz announced:
“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 Transition.
“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.
“I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will Save America.”
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
Trump reacted to Gaetz’s withdrawal, writing, “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!”
Conservatives are reacting in a flurry, with some suggesting he should run to get his House seat back, while others are suggesting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis should appoint him to fill Marco Rubio’s senate seat, should Rubio be confirmed as Secretary of State.
Liberals are already celebrating the news.
This is very disappointing. Matt Gaetz would’ve been amazing as Attorney General.
Unfortunately he has already resigned his seat in the House.
We need to get Gov Ron DeSantis to appoint Matt Gaetz to the empty US Senate seat being vacated by Marco Rubio. We need Sen Matt Gaetz. pic.twitter.com/3resXbQLkl
— Wall Street Mav (@WallStreetMav) November 21, 2024
Matt Gaetz has officially revealed he’s stepping aside as a contender for Donald Trump’s Attorney General.
This announcement comes after Gaetz fiercely battled against relentless media attacks and defamation campaigns.
This is a sad day for those who hoped for the hammer of… pic.twitter.com/5LuOjyGQEV
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) November 21, 2024
The only way Gaetz dropping out from Attorney General would make sense is if he cut a deal to get Rubio‘s Senate seat
Otherwise, I am at a complete loss for words, especially since he resigned his congressional seat
We were going to fight like hell to get him confirmed https://t.co/5A5SgVbvwz
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) November 21, 2024
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