Gaetz's withdrawal highlights how incoming presidents often lose Cabinet nominees

I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history."

In his post announcing his stepping down for the attorney general nomination, he said

I hereby resign as a United States representative for Florida's first congressional district, effective immediately,

it read

Michael Guest (politician)ethics Committee Chair

He is no longer a member of Congress, and so I think that this settles any involvement that the ethics committee should have in any matters involving Mr. Gaetz,

Guest said

When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.”

DeSantis had to be notified because House vacancies are filled by special election as stated in Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution

Matt Gaetzrepresentative

The end of an era.”

At the same time, Gaetz’s wife posted a photo Thursday of the two of them walking on the House steps with the caption

After being asked for comment for this story, ... Gaetz announced he was backing out as President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general nominee.”

the CNN report said

We're glad to see that Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name for consideration for Attorney General, and we urge the Trump/Vance Administration to nominate someone for this role who has impeccable character and who is committed to fully enforce obscenity and sex trafficking laws. There is no shortage of qualified leaders with track records of integrity who can serve as Attorney General."

Dawn Hawkins, the CEO of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, told Newsweek

My clients are relieved to have this chapter behind them and eager to move forward with their lives,

Leppard said

From the start, Matt Gaetz was a profoundly unfit choice for attorney general. He was right to withdraw his name for consideration. It is clear Gaetz felt pressure to step down in the face of such damning and credible reports of his involvement in the sexual abuse and trafficking of a 17-year-old,

Martin told Newsweek

I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt 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,

Trump said

I will forever be honoured that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I'm certain he will Save America,

he said

Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”

Trump said on Thursday

She testified [that] in July of 2017, at this house party, she was walking out to the pool area, and she looked to her right, and she saw Rep. Gaetz having sex with her friend, who was 17,

Leppard said

Mike Roundsrepublican Senator

There was perhaps some information out there that the president was not aware of when he made the original recommendation,

said Republican Senator Mike Rounds

Rick Scottsenator

I had a very important relationship with Matt,

said Senator Rick Scott, who like Gaetz is from Florida

Mike Braunsenator

From everything that built up to this point, it doesn't surprise me,

Republican Senator Mike Braun said of Gaetz's decision

I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback - and the incredible support of so many,

Gaetz said

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."

Gaetz, in a Thursday post on X, wrote

Jason Smith (basketball, born 1986)niece of former Boomers captain

I respect Matt's decision, ... He's focusing on what's important. And that's making sure that he's not a distraction to the Trump-Vance agenda. President Trump is appointing a Cabinet faster than any president in history. And his nominees deserve to be confirmed. He deserves to have his team."

Smith said on "Newsline."

Matt Gaetz is not the only option for attorney general of the United States for President Trump,

Smith said