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Thursday, December 26, 2024

Matt Gaetz, Trump’s pick for next US attorney general, withdraws name from consideration


Matt Gaetz, who was tapped by US President-elect Donald Trump as the next US attorney general, has withdrawn his name from consideration. 

“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,” Gaetz wrote on X.

“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.”

Gaetz’s nomination triggered a political storm in US as he faces a nearly three-year Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving a 17-year-old girl. He denies the allegations and has not faced criminal charges.

Gaetz also attracted scrutiny by the House Ethics Committee over wider allegations including sexual misconduct, illicit drug use and accepting improper gifts.

The inquiry was dropped on November 13 when Gaetz left Congress, the forum where the committee has jurisdiction. The Senate ethics committee is deadlocked on whether their report can be released.

Earlier in the day, it was reported by the New York Times that federal investigators in the United States have compiled a detailed chart outlining payments by Matt Gaetz and his associates, suggesting involvement in drug-fuelled sex parties.

The document traces Venmo transactions between Gaetz, his friends, and women who allegedly participated in these events — among them are the two who alleged he had hired them for sex. 

(With inputs from agencies)

Vikrant Singh

Geopolitical writer at WION, follows Indian foreign policy and world politics, a truth seeker. 



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