Former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida announced on Friday that he will not seek a seat in the 119th Congress after resigning from the 118th last week. Gaetz stepped down following President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of him for attorney general but withdrew his name from consideration, citing concerns about becoming a “distraction” to Trump’s transition efforts. Gaetz stated that he would continue supporting Trump outside of Congress and emphasized his belief that eight years in the House was sufficient time for his legislative service.
The House Ethics Committee, which had been investigating sexual misconduct allegations against Gaetz, decided Wednesday not to release its report. Gaetz’s resignation came just days before the committee was scheduled to discuss its findings. Trump praised Gaetz’s efforts on Truth Social, expressing gratitude for his service and confidence in his future contributions to the MAGA movement. Gaetz reiterated his commitment to Trump’s success, stating his intent to fight for the former president’s agenda from a different role.
Key Points:
- Matt Gaetz announced he will not join the 119th Congress after resigning from the 118th last week.
- Gaetz withdrew from consideration as attorney general in Trump’s administration, citing concerns about being a “distraction” during the transition.
- The House Ethics Committee opted not to release its findings on allegations of sexual misconduct against Gaetz shortly after his resignation.
- Gaetz stated he will continue supporting Trump’s agenda outside Congress, believing his eight years in the House were sufficient.
- Trump praised Gaetz’s efforts, calling him a valuable ally with a promising future.
Former Republican Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz asserted on Friday that he will not be joining the 119th Congress after resigning from the 118th last week.
Gaetz resigned from Congress after President-elect Donald Trump selected him to be his attorney general in his upcoming administration, but subsequently withdrew himself from consideration for the position on Thursday. The former congressman announced he would be leaving Congress on “The Charlie Kirk Show,” saying he would still be involved with helping Trump.
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“I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz said. “There are a number of fantastic Floridians who’ve stepped up to run for my seat.”
“I’m going to be fighting for President Trump. I’m going to be doing whatever he asks of me as I always have, but I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress,” he added.
Gaetz wrote on X Thursday that his confirmation to be attorney general was “unfairly becoming a distraction” to the work of Trump’s 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,” the former congressman wrote. “Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1.”
“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,” he added.
The House Ethics Committee chose Wednesday not to publish its report on the investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against Gaetz. His resignation came days before the committee was slated to discuss the report.
“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 wrote Thursday on Truth Social. “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”
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All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.