In a dramatic turn of events, Matt Gaetz, a former congressman from Florida and one of Donald Trump’s most vocal allies, has pulled his name from consideration to become the next attorney general. The decision, announced Thursday, highlights the challenges Trump faces as he tries to turn his fiery campaign promises into a team that can actually navigate Washington’s political maze.
Gaetz has been a fierce defender of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, often taking on even his own Republican colleagues. For Trump, Gaetz seemed like the perfect pick—a loyal fighter who shared his combative style. But the choice caused shockwaves in Washington from the moment it was announced eight days ago.
A Scandal-Laden Past
Gaetz’s withdrawal wasn’t just about politics. His past legal troubles—including a Justice Department investigation into sex-trafficking allegations, which ended without charges—already cast a shadow. Then, things got worse. A House Ethics Committee report, not yet officially released, started to leak. It revealed claims from two women who said Gaetz had paid them for sex, along with other allegations of misconduct. These included accusations of drug use, sharing inappropriate images on the House floor, and even obstructing the investigation itself. Gaetz has denied all the accusations and stopped cooperating with the ethics probe earlier this year.
With so much baggage, Senate Republicans were hesitant to back him. According to insiders, at least five GOP senators, including Mitch McConnell and Lisa Murkowski, were ready to vote against him. Gaetz only needed three Republicans to defect for his confirmation to fail.
No Plan, No Backup
Sources close to the situation said Gaetz didn’t have a clear plan to win over skeptics. Even after meeting with 11 senators on Wednesday, the opposition didn’t budge. “He wanted the job but had no real strategy,” one insider said. “It’s not surprising this happened, just that it happened so fast.”
Faced with growing resistance, Gaetz decided to step aside, saying he didn’t want to distract from the Trump administration’s transition. “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle,” Gaetz wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
What This Means for Trump
For Trump, this stumble underscores a recurring problem: picking fights over following the traditional playbook. Gaetz’s scandals weren’t exactly a secret, and better vetting might have avoided the mess. But Trump’s team didn’t consult Senate leadership before making the announcement, leaving many Republicans blindsided.
Now, Trump has tapped Pam Bondi, Florida’s former attorney general, as his new pick for the role. Bondi, known for her strong support of Trump, is expected to face less opposition.
Other Nominees Face Tough Roads
Gaetz isn’t the only Trump pick raising eyebrows. His choices for other Cabinet positions also come with their own controversies. Pete Hegseth, his pick for defense secretary, has been criticized for saying women shouldn’t serve in combat. Anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is Trump’s choice for health and human services secretary, and former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who’s been accused of spreading Russian propaganda, is his pick for director of national intelligence. Each of these nominations is likely to spark fierce debates.
A Sigh of Relief at the DOJ
With Gaetz out, many at the Justice Department seemed relieved. “This was like watching the sun rise after a long, dark night,” one official joked.
For Trump, the withdrawal avoids what could have been a bruising confirmation battle. But it also raises questions about how much thought goes into his team’s decisions—and whether his administration can work with Washington rather than constantly fighting against it.
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