Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his nomination as President-elect Donald Trump’s planned nominee for attorney general. Gaetz cited his confirmation becoming a distraction due to ongoing investigations into alleged drug usage and payments for sex, including with an underage girl. Trump expressed appreciation for Gaetz’s efforts but understood the decision to step down. It remains unclear if another nominee has been selected or if Gaetz’s withdrawal is viewed as a setback by the Trump-Vance transition team.
Meetings were held with senators to discuss Gaetz’s nomination, with Republicans controlling the Senate in the upcoming Congress session. Gaetz’s future is uncertain as he resigned from the U.S. House and indicated he wouldn’t take the oath of office for the upcoming Congress. He may run for his old seat in a special election or seek reappointment to the House of Representatives in the future.
The attorney general oversees the Department of Justice, which includes various law enforcement agencies and received $37.52 billion in funding in the latest spending bill. Trump had two attorneys general in his first term, Jeff Sessions and Bill Barr.
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