In a surprising move, Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) withdrew his nomination from Attorney General. The decision comes after days of scrutiny over alleged offenses. Shortly after Rep. Gaetz made his announcement over social media, President Donald Trump (R) issued a response.
Florida politics continues to dominate the political landscape.
Yesterday afternoon, Rep. Gaetz took to social media to announce that he was withdrawing his nomination for Attorney General under the Trump Administration. Given that he faced allegations of sex trafficking among other offenses, the lawmaker wrote that his nomination was "becoming a distraction."
Responding to the announcement, President Trump shared that he felt confident about Rep. Gaetz's future despite the legal setbacks he's currently facing.
On Truth social, President Trump wrote, "I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. 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!"
Shortly after the announcement, President Trump announced that he would be nominating former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi (R) for the position.
Since sharing that he would be withdrawing his nomination for Attorney General, Rep. Gaetz shared support for Bondi's nomination, calling her "a stellar selection." He resigned from the House eight days after being announced as President Trump's pick for Attorney General, so the question remains if he'll run for his old House district 1 seat.
.@PamBondi is a stellar selection by President Trump for Attorney General.
Pam and I worked closely together when she was Florida’s Attorney General and I chaired Criminal Justice in the state house.
She’s a proven litigator, an inspiring leader and a champion for all… https://t.co/K86sK7WkPf
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 22, 2024
Republicans have also shared their thoughts on Rep. Gaetz withdrawing his nomination. Florida Senator Rick Scott (R), in a comment to POLITICO's Mia McCarthy, shared that he was "disappointed" he envisioned Rep. Gaetz changing "the way the DOJ is done."
“I've had a very good working relationship with him. He's a hard worker. He's smart as hell," Senator Scott added.
