Matt Gaetz, who has faced a stormy and controversial path withdrew his bid today to become the next attorney general. This constitutes a major political setback for President-elect Donald Trump as he prepared to defend his embattled nominee. Gaetz announced his withdrawal a day after visiting the Senate. He becomes the first of Mr. Trump’s cabinet nominees to withdraw their name from consideration for a post.
Gaetz Makes the Rounds
He insisted that he had strong support among fellow Republicans after meeting with several senators yesterday with Vice President-elect JD Vance. But after making the rounds with Vance yesterday, insiders say it became apparent to Gaetz that he did not have the support to survive the nomination process.
Gaetz said about his withdrawal. “I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will Save America.”
Hazards of Trump’s Nomination Process
Gaetz’s withdrawal demonstrated the chaotic and anti-establishment theme of Trump’s cabinet selection process. No longer willing to deal with outsiders, he only considers MAGA loyalists as candidates for his open positions. He is not using the FBI to screen candidates for these positions, which is normally standard operating procedure.
This raises the specter of some of the problems that Mr. Trump might have with some of his other nominees. Robert Kennedy is hated on both sides of the aisle for his anti-vaccination stances and bizarre comments. Tulsi Gabbard has frequently quoted statements attributable to Soviet propaganda. Peter Hegseth has been accused of sexual assault and payment to hush further comments about the incident.
Even Education Secretary candidate Linda McMahon has been embroiled in controversy surrounding sexual abuse charges within the McMahon family-owned World Wrestling Federation (WWF). In comparison, none of these tempests may derail these candidates. However, it certainly emboldens senators who doubt these e candidates’ fitness to serve to air them out in the committee hearings.
Mr. Trump Speaks and Gaetz’s Future
As for Mr. Trump, he said this about the Gaetz withdrawal. “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all the great things he will do.” However, he did not infer who a replacement candidate or candidates may be for the Attorney General position.
With dead-solid certainty, you can bet Mr. Trump will find a position for Mr. Gaetz in his White House that does not require Senate confirmation. Stay tuned for more drama and uncertainty.
