Allies of President-elect Donald Trump see former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal as a necessary political sacrifice to carry out Trump’s second-term vision.
Gaetz was despised by many lawmakers across both political parties as his firebrand antics upended Congress including ousting former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. But it was the stench of sex trafficking allegations involving at least one minor, and the looming release of a House Ethics Committee report that sunk his nomination.
A day after meeting with skeptical senators on Capitol Hill, Gaetz announced his withdrawal, citing the “distraction” he was causing the Trump administration.
FIVE THEORIES FOR WHY TRUMP NOMINATED GAETZ FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL
