Trump Transition Live: Matt Gaetz Withdraws From Attorney General Considera

Former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz on Thursday announced he is withdrawing his name from consideration to serve as attorney general. In a statement on X, he confirmed he said his confirmation “was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition. 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.” Gaetz added he remained “fully committed” to Donald Trump.
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Read Matt Gaetz statement in full
Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from the running for attorney general today after saying it was becoming a “distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.”
Read his statement in full:
“I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many. 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. 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.
“I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will Save America.”
I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance…
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 21, 2024