Matt Gaetz Withdraws from Attorney General Consideration, Pam Bondi Nominated by Trump
In a surprising turn of events, former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz has officially withdrawn his name from consideration for the Attorney General position in the incoming Trump administration. The announcement came on Thursday, just as Donald Trump revealed his new pick for the role: former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Gaetz expressed that while he had garnered significant momentum for the position, he felt his confirmation was becoming a distraction from the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition team. “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,” Gaetz wrote.
Gaetz’s withdrawal follows ongoing scrutiny related to investigations into allegations of drug use and sexual misconduct, which he has consistently denied. His decision to step aside opens the door for Bondi, who Trump praised as a tough and dedicated public servant.
In a statement announcing Bondi’s nomination, Trump emphasized her experience and commitment to law enforcement. “For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans – Not anymore. Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting crime and Making America Safe Again,” Trump declared. He added that he has known Bondi for many years and believes she will excel in the role.
Bondi, who served as Florida’s first female Attorney General, has a history of tackling serious issues, including drug trafficking and opioid abuse. Trump highlighted her record as a prosecutor and her efforts to combat the opioid crisis, stating, “She did such an incredible job that I asked her to serve on our Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during my first term — We saved many lives!”
The transition comes amid a backdrop of controversy for the incoming administration, as Trump’s cabinet picks have faced scrutiny. Notably, Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense has also raised eyebrows due to resurfaced allegations of sexual assault against him.
As the Trump administration prepares to take office, the dynamics within the Republican Party continue to evolve, with Gaetz’s withdrawal and Bondi’s nomination marking a significant shift in leadership at the Department of Justice. The coming weeks will be crucial as the new administration seeks to solidify its agenda and address the challenges ahead.
