Former Republican representative Matt Gaetz has withdrawn from consideration to become Donald Trump’s attorney general. The move follows heightened scrutiny over allegations of sexual misconduct against him, which he has consistently denied.
Gaetz, a staunch Trump ally, announced his decision on X (formerly Twitter) after meeting with senators on Capitol Hill. He stated that his nomination had become “a distraction to the critical work” of Trump’s new administration.
“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,” Gaetz wrote. “Trump’s [justice department] must be in place and ready on Day 1.”
His withdrawal coincides with a House ethics committee deadlock over the release of its report on allegations that Gaetz had sexual relations with a 17-year-old girl. Although the justice department previously investigated the claims, no charges were filed.
Gaetz reaffirmed his loyalty to Trump, saying, “I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history.”
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