Donald Trump addressed Matt Gaetzthe withdrawal of his choice of attorney general. The Florida Republican bowed out Thursday after failing to convince the Senate to support his controversial nomination. Shortly after Gaetz’s abrupt departure, the president-elect released a statement, praising his former AG pick’s decision to seek Senate confirmation.

Trump breaks silence on Matt Gaetz’s removal as attorney general

The future president named Gaetz nine days ago, as part of the ongoing investigation into his alleged sexual relations with a minor. Trump’s decision to choose the 42-year-old for the Justice Department post sent shockwaves through both parties. But on Wednesday, Gaetz suffered a final blow, as the House Ethics Committee refused to release its report on sexual misconduct allegations against him, the former representative withdrew his name from consideration for the position as Trump’s attorney general.

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“While momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction from the critical work of the Trump/Vance transition,” Gaetz said in a statement, according to the Associated Press. “There is no time to waste in a needlessly prolonged fight in Washington, which is why I will withdraw my name from consideration for attorney general.” Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on day one.”

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Moved by his action, Trump used his social media platform Truth Social to address Gaetz’s removal. “I greatly appreciate Matt Gaetz’s recent efforts to secure approval for the position of Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, he did not want to be a distraction to the Administration, for which he has a lot of respect. Matt has a wonderful future and I can’t wait to see all the great things he does! »wrote the president-elect.