Matt Gaetz Withdraws as Donald Trump's Attorney General Pick amid Sex-for-Hire Allegations

Mar. 15, 2025

U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz at the Republican National Convention on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee.Photo:Alex Wong/Getty

Alex Wong/Getty

Matt Gaetzis withdrawing fromhis attorney general nominationamid an ongoingHouse Ethics Committee investigationinto allegations relating to sex trafficking, sexual misconduct with minors and illicit drug use, which he has denied.

On Thursday, Nov. 21, the former Florida representative, 42, announced onsocial mediathat he is withdrawing his nomination after “unfairly becoming a distraction” to the transition of power to the President-electDonald Trumpand Vice President-electJ.D. Vance.

“I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback — and the incredible support of so many,” he wrote in a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter). “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.”

Gaetz went on to write that he is stepping down from the nomination as he will not be prepared in time to take on the responsibilities given his ongoing scandal. “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,” he added.

Matt Gaetz outside the US Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 2, 2023.SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty

The politician further aligned himself with Trump, writing, “I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history.” He added, “I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will Save America.”

Trump, 78, issued a response onTruth Social, in which he claimed that Gaetz was “doing very well” in his run to be attorney general. “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!” he added.

Donald Trump and Matt Gaetz during an campaign event on Nov. 26, 2019.SMG/Shutterstock

SMG/Shutterstock

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Attorney Joel Leppard toldThe Washington Poston Nov. 19 that two of his female clients had testified to the House Ethics Committee about Gaetzallegedly buying “sexual favors"and having sex with a minor.

On Nov. 20, Republicans members of the House Ethics Committee voted to block the release of the report detailing their investigation into the politician,The Associated PressandUSA Todayreported.

source: people.com