Trump’s Attorney General nominee drops out over investigation

Florida Republican Matt Gaetz made the announcement this morning on social media, writing: “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.”

Trump responded on Truth Social, writing: “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.”

There had been questions about whether the Senate would confirm Gaetz’s nomination, following a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, including misconduct involving a minor, and illicit drug use.

Gaetz resigned his seat in the House of Representatives last week when his nomination was announced, effectively halting the investigation.

This week, the House voted not to release the results of the investigation.

Even without the investigation, however, experts doubted he would have secured enough votes in the Senate to be confirmed. Many senators are now breathing a sigh of relief.

Gaetz’s withdrawal is a setback for Trump’s push to install steadfast loyalists in his incoming administration, and the first sign that Trump could face resistance from members of his own party.