Matt Gaetz Withdraws from Attorney General Consideration

Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his nomination to be U.S. Attorney General just eight days after President-elect Donald Trump announced his candidacy. Gaetz cited concerns that his confirmation was becoming a distraction from the Trump/Vance Transition, despite ongoing allegations of sexual misconduct, including sex trafficking and drug use, which he denies. Trump praised Gaetz's decision, expressing respect and optimism for his future. Many Republican senators were relieved by Gaetz's withdrawal, noting it was a self-aware choice amid concerns over his controversial history. The nomination had raised alarm among career lawyers at the Justice Department due to Gaetz's past comments about abolishing the agency. In a separate context, anti-abortion advocates are mobilizing to enforce stricter laws, potentially leveraging Gaetz's position if he had moved forward as AG.