United States President-elect Donald Trump has lost a member of his proposed administration with controversial Republican congressman Matt Gaetz withdrawing his nomination as Attorney General.
Gaetz wrote on social media site X that it was clear his confirmation was distracting the work of Trump and Vice-Presidential choice J.D. Vance‘s transition team.
“I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday,” Mr Gaetz wrote in the post on X, the social media site owned by another of Trump’s proposed cabinet members, Elon Musk.
“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. Trump’s DOJ (Department of Justice) must be in place and ready on Day 1.
“I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. I will forever be honoured that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will Save America.”
Gaetz, 42, an outspoken, far right politician from Florida, has faced multiple ethics investigations and intense scrutiny over allegations of sex trafficking which he has denied and not been charged over.
Trump responded by saying he greatly appreciated the efforts of Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General.
“He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social site.
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