Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his nomination for Attorney General, citing concerns that his confirmation battle was becoming an unnecessary distraction during the critical transition period for the Trump administration. The announcement, made via X on Thursday morning, comes as a surprise given the momentum behind his nomination and widespread Republican support.
“I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday,” Gaetz wrote. “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.”
Gaetz emphasized his continued commitment to supporting President-elect Trump, calling his nomination an honor. Trump responded graciously, writing on Truth Social, “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”
The withdrawal comes amid renewed scrutiny of past allegations against Gaetz, including a Justice Department investigation into alleged misconduct that concluded without charges. Just a day before Gaetz stepped aside, a leaked document related to the DOJ’s probe surfaced in The New York Times, reigniting controversy. Despite the DOJ’s decision not to prosecute, the timing of the leak raised questions about its impact on Gaetz’s confirmation prospects. Gaetz has consistently denied all allegations.
The nomination process had already divided Senate Republicans, with Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and incoming Senator-elect John Curtis reportedly opposing Gaetz’s confirmation. While Gaetz had substantial support, the opposition signaled a potential confirmation fight that Trump likely wanted to avoid.
Shortly after Gaetz’s withdrawal, Trump announced a new nominee: former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. In a Truth Social post, Trump praised Bondi’s record, highlighting her work as a prosecutor and her tenure as Florida’s first female attorney general. He also noted her role in his Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during his first term.
“For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans – Not anymore,” Trump wrote. “Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again.”
Bondi, a longtime Trump ally and America First advocate, brings a wealth of experience and a focus on law enforcement. Her nomination shifts the spotlight back to the administration’s agenda, ensuring the DOJ is ready for action when Trump takes office.