Former Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his nomination for attorney general, less than two weeks after President-elect Trump nominated the Florida flamethrower as his attorney general nominee.
Trump's nomination of Gaetz sparked controversy over an unpublished ethics report, cementing the fact that his confirmation would be an uphill battle. Gaetz has been lobbying with Vice President-elect J.D. Vance in recent days to convince senators to confirm him.
“There is no time to waste on needlessly protracted Washington brawls. Therefore, I am withdrawing my name from consideration for attorney general.”
“I had a great meeting with the senators yesterday,” Gaetz said. said “We are grateful for their thoughtful feedback and the incredible support of so many people.”
“While momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation unfairly impeded the important work of the Trump-Vance transition,” Gaetz continued. “I have no time to waste on needlessly protracted Washington brawls, which is why I am withdrawing my name from consideration for attorney general.”
Republicans hold a narrow majority in the Senate with 53 seats. As a result, Gaetz and the other candidates could lose just three Republican votes, assuming Vance also votes.
“President Trump's Justice Department must be staffed and ready from day one,” Gaetz continued. “I am committed to helping Donald J. Trump become the most successful president in history. I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice. I'm sure you will.”
Following his nomination, Gaetz resigned from his seat in the House of Representatives, leaving the seat open for the remainder of his term and the next term in Florida's 1st Congressional District.
President Trump: “I greatly appreciate Matt Gaetz's recent efforts to seek his confirmation as attorney general.'' said in a statement Thursday. “He's done very well, but at the same time he didn't want to get in the way of the administration, so I have a lot of respect for him. Matt has a great future and I'm looking forward to what great things he'll do.” I'm looking forward to seeing you! “
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