Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration for attorney general on Thursday, sparking some backlash from conservative supporters.
Former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz announced Thursday that he is withdrawing his name from consideration to serve as attorney general under President-elect Donald Trump, a move that has sparked backlash among some conservatives online.
Last week, Trump announced Gaetz’s nomination to lead the Justice Department (DOJ), and since then has drawn scrutiny from Democrats and some Republicans. Up until last Wednesday, Gaetz served as Florida’s 1st congressional district representative in the U.S. House, but upon his attorney general nomination, he resigned from his House position.
Gaetz’s nomination raised eyebrows as he was the subject of a House Ethics Committee investigation over allegations that he « engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use » and was part of a scheme that led to the sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl. He has denied any wrongdoing.
In addition, some questioned Gaetz’s ability to lead the Justice Department, citing his limited legal experience and the fact that the department previously investigated him.
Gaetz, like the other recent nominees, needed Senate approval to be confirmed in the role.
