Matt Gaetz Bows Out of AG Nomination, President Trump Responds

Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz had posted on X that he’s stepping aside from consideration for attorney general.

This has brought confusion and disappointment among many hopeful Republicans.

Gaetz said that his reasoning was becoming a distraction to the Trump administration,

Washington Examiner reports:

Following former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz’s announcement that he was dropping his nomination to become the next attorney general, President-elect Donald Trump was quick to praise Gaetz, confident he will do “great things” in the future.

Gaetz’s decision was made following “excellent meetings” he conducted Wednesday with senators. He opted to drop his nomination due to “unfairly becoming a distraction” for the incoming Trump administration. The former Florida lawmaker also stressed that Trump’s Department of Justice should be prepared to get to work “on day 1” and that he is still “fully committed” to Trump’s success in the White House.

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“I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “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!”

Full text of Gaetz’s post:

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

His wife also chimed in.

The end of an era ✨ https://t.co/AdXGRnfpq9 pic.twitter.com/K04Jf29hEf

— Ginger Gaetz (@GingerLGaetz) November 21, 2024