Matt Gaetz eliminates himself as a candidate for attorney general

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., has withdrawn his nomination to be President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general. Gaetz cited his confirmation becoming a distraction to the transition process as the reason for his decision. While he initially had strong support from Republican senators, allegations of sex trafficking minors marred his candidacy. The Justice Department investigated but dropped the allegations, while the House Ethics Committee was also looking into the matter. Witnesses testified to the committee about seeing Gaetz allegedly abusing a 17-year-old girl. Gaetz denied the allegations and resigned from his House seat abruptly, days before the committee was set to vote on releasing their findings. Trump expressed appreciation for Gaetz’s efforts to win over Senate Republicans in a post on Truth Social. The nomination had sparked controversy and questions for Republican senators. It is unclear if Gaetz will return to his House seat in January. The story is still developing.

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