Matt Gaetz has withdrawn himself from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Attorney General.

The news came after Gaetz met with senators on Wednesday, reported Fox 4 KDFW. Gaetz followed up on X, posting, “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.”

To this, Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s appointment for Press Secretary, posted Trump’s comments from Truth Social that Gaetz shared:

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Here is the rest of the story from Fox:

The announcement from Gaetz comes as Trump and Gaetz were digging in for a potentially lengthy, brutal Senate confirmation fight ahead. Gaetz met privately for hours Wednesday with Republican senators who have heard questions about Gaetz’s misconduct allegations.

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Gaetz, resigned from Congress last week after Trump announced Gaetz’s nomination for attorney general. His resignation put an end to a yearslong investigation into Gaetz by the House Ethics Committee. The committee was investigating whether Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts and sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., is seen outside the U.S. Capitol after the last votes before the August recess on Thursday, July 25, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

The committee reportedly interviewed a woman who said Gaetz had sex with her when she was a 17-year-old high school student.

House Ethics Committee Republicans voted Wednesday against releasing the panel’s long-running investigation into Gaetz, but it was only a temporary reprieve. The House panel expects to meet again Dec. 5 to reconsider releasing its findings.

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“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 said on X.

Because Gaetz resigned his House seat on Nov. 13th, he cannot automatically return to that seat after withdrawing from consideration for attorney general. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will have to call a special election to fill the vacant House seat, likely in the first few months of 2025.

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