Gaetz Withdraws AG Nomination, Ethics Probe Ends

Matt Gaetz, former Florida Representative, has withdrawn his nomination as President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Attorney General amidst scrutiny over allegations of sex trafficking and sexual misconduct. Gaetz announced his decision after noting that his confirmation process was becoming a distraction to the Trump/Vance transition team. Despite strong momentum, Gaetz cited the need to avoid a protracted confirmation battle in Washington, as several GOP senators expressed reluctance to support his nomination. His withdrawal marks a setback for Trump's efforts to appoint loyalists to his administration. Trump praised Gaetz's efforts and expressed optimism about his future contributions. Gaetz had resigned from Congress prior to the House Ethics Committee's report on his alleged misconduct, effectively ending the ethics probe.