Matt Gaetz, the former U.S. Representative from Florida, has pulled his nomination for the Attorney General role in President-elect Donald Trump’s forthcoming administration. Gaetz cited his desire not to distract from the administration’s core objectives as the reason for his decision.
“Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1,” Gaetz stated on November 21, 2024, when he announced his withdrawal. This move follows increasing pressure from Senate Republicans and continuous examination of his history, which includes a federal investigation into sex trafficking allegations that ended without any criminal charges. Concurrently, the House Ethics Committee is probing claims of sexual misconduct and other inappropriate behavior linked to Gaetz.
A portion of the scrutiny around Gaetz arises from his ties with Joel Greenberg, a former Florida tax collector who confessed to sex trafficking charges and received an 11-year prison sentence. Investigators evaluated allegations that Gaetz and Greenberg compensated underage girls and escorts for illicit activities — charges that Gaetz has repeatedly refuted.
Adding to the pressure, Senate Democrats on the Judiciary Committee have asked the FBI to disclose documents linked to the concluded investigation into Gaetz. Even though the Justice Department seldom reveals sensitive case data to Congress, Democrats claim there is a precedent, referring to the release of documents during the Hillary Clinton email probe.
Despite the Justice Department’s conclusion not to press charges, Senate Republicans voiced concerns about Gaetz’s nomination, highlighting the ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation. A few Republican senators indicated their hesitation to back the nomination without first examining the findings of the committee.
The nomination of Gaetz by Trump was viewed as audacious, signifying the ex-president’s enduring sway over the Republican Party. However, Gaetz would have been the first Attorney General in 20 years without previous Justice Department experience. His nomination met strong resistance, underlining the difficulties of rallying GOP support in a divided Congress, where Republicans will control both houses next year.
Following Gaetz’s withdrawal, Trump nominated Pam Bondi, the former Florida Attorney General, for the position. Bondi, who served from 2011 to 2019, is highly regarded within the GOP for her hardline stance on crime and loyalty to Trump. She closely collaborated with the Trump administration during his first term and was a notable defender during his impeachment hearings.
In the aftermath of the Gaetz controversy, Trump supporters have lauded Bondi’s nomination as a choice that brings stability. Her comprehensive experience in the legal and political fields, coupled with her alignment with Trump’s policy goals, are expected to strengthen her chances for confirmation in the Senate.