Former Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration for the position of Attorney General in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration on Thursday, shocking the GOP all across the country. Gaetz has always been a loud and proud supporter of Trump and is considered to be a key figure in the MAGA movement. However, he cited fears of being a “distraction” during this critical time of transition for the Trump-Vance team as one reason for pulling his name out of consideration.
“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 said in a post on social media. “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.”
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…
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 21, 2024
Gaetz’s announcement comes two weeks after he resigned from his position in the House of Representatives in order to focus his time and energy on preparing to lead the Justice Department. Almost right off the bat his nomination faced scrutiny due to the various ethics controversies surrounding him, which no doubt would have resulted in a very heated confirmation hearing. So who are Trump’s other potential selections for Attorney General?
Shelby Talcott of Semafor News reported that two names have emerged as potential replacements: Todd Blanche, who is currently slated to serve as Deputy Attorney General, and Andrew Bailey, a figure initially considered for the Attorney General role.
Names I’m already hearing being floated inside Trump world to replace Matt Gaetz as his AG pick: Todd Blanche (who is currently tapped as deputy AG) and Andrew Bailey (was also originally in the mix for AG)
— Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) November 21, 2024
Blanche, a former federal prosecutor and experienced white-collar defense attorney, has a background in handling high-profile cases, including representing Paul Manafort and Donald Trump in legal battles. He recently left private practice to join Trump’s defense team. Known for his legal acumen, Blanche is seen as a steady choice for a leadership role in the Department of Justice. Andrew Bailey is currently Missouri’s Attorney General. He is a combat veteran and staunch conservative with a track record of defending Trump and challenging progressive policies. Appointed in 2023, he has led efforts against abortion access and gender-affirming care. Bailey’s political alignment and legal expertise make him a natural fit for consideration as Attorney General in the Trump administration.
The House Ethics Committee conducted an investigation into Gaetz and found evidence that seemingly suggests the Florida Republican used payment platforms such as Venmo and PayPal to transfer a total of $10,000 to two women for various sexual activities. One of the women has alleged that Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct with a 17-year-old girl back in 2017, though he has denied any such acts and has not been charged with a crime.
“The House Ethics Committee voted along party lines on Wednesday on whether to publicly disclose its findings, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. The prospect of these allegations dominating his confirmation hearings may have contributed to Gaetz’s decision to step aside,” the report said.
I’m told Matt Gaetz’s decision to withdraw his name from AG came as a surprise to at least some people internally, and that his confirmation team was still being compiled as recently as last night.
— Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) November 21, 2024
Both candidates are seen as less controversial alternatives to Gaetz and may face smoother paths to confirmation. Blanche, a veteran lawyer with experience in corporate and criminal defense, has been a trusted member of Trump’s legal team. Bailey, a state-level attorney general, carries conservative bona fides that could appeal to Trump’s base.
Let’s hope Trump has a few more trustworthy individuals in his back pocket ready to step up to the plate and help him weed out the deep state.
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