President-elect Donald Trump has announced Pam Bondi as his new pick for attorney general after former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration. Trump informed Gaetz that he did not have the necessary Senate votes for confirmation, leading Gaetz to withdraw his nomination citing distractions and the need to avoid a prolonged controversy.
Trump expressed support for Gaetz, stating that he is doing well and has a promising future. The Trump-Vance spokesperson emphasized the commitment to selecting a candidate who will defend the Constitution and prevent the misuse of the justice system.
Transition team members were informed of Gaetz's decision to withdraw before the public announcement. Concerns had been raised about Gaetz's ability to navigate Senate confirmation hearings, with doubts stemming from potential damaging information in an ethics report.
Allegations investigated by the Justice Department and the committee, including claims of inappropriate conduct with a minor, have been denied by Gaetz. Republican senators expressed relief at Gaetz's withdrawal, indicating that confirmation would have been unlikely given the circumstances.
Meetings between Gaetz and GOP senators were reportedly not negative, but the presence of multiple definitive 'Nos' and anticipated revelations from the ethics report made confirmation prospects dim. It was suggested that previously unknown witnesses and information could further complicate Gaetz's confirmation process.
