After JD Vance and Matt Gaetz met with GOP senators on Capitol Hill, attempting to secure support for Gaetz’s nomination as attorney general, Vance was optimistic, telling reporters the meetings had gone well. However, the situation quickly changed the following morning when President-elect Donald Trump informed Gaetz that he lacked the votes needed in the Senate to be confirmed.
Trump did not directly instruct Gaetz to withdraw, but by Thursday afternoon, Gaetz made the decision himself, announcing on social media that he was stepping down. He cited the need to avoid further distractions and emphasized the importance of having a fully operational Justice Department from day one. His withdrawal allowed Trump to move forward with another nominee for attorney general: Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general.
JD Vance’s Optimism Fades as Gaetz Bows Out of AG Race
Gaetz’s departure came despite growing bipartisan pressure, especially as Democrats called for the release of a report from the House Ethics Committee that was investigating him. During his four terms in the House, Gaetz had used aggressive political strategies that alienated not only Democrats but also many Republicans, including key senators who were skeptical of his suitability for the attorney general position.
Republican Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota voiced that it was clear there was no viable path for Gaetz’s confirmation, citing a lack of support within the GOP. He emphasized that, had he been forced to vote, he would have voted against Gaetz.
Despite the positive spin from Vance and Gaetz earlier in the week, insiders said that GOP senators were aware of the uphill battle Gaetz faced and doubted his ability to secure enough votes. One senator reportedly questioned Gaetz about which committee members had expressed support, only for Gaetz to reveal that many had offered lukewarm endorsements rather than firm backing.
Meanwhile, Democrats were pushing for the release of the House Ethics Committee’s report, which included allegations of misconduct and other potential legal violations involving Gaetz. A 2017 allegation, in which Gaetz was accused of engaging in sexual encounters with a 17-year-old, had already been investigated by both the committee and the Justice Department.
When asked for comment, Gaetz publicly announced his withdrawal. Sources revealed that Trump and Vance were informed of Gaetz’s decision before the announcement was made. Gaetz had personally called Trump and Vance to notify them of his choice to step aside.
There was concern that new, potentially damaging information might soon surface from the ethics report, which had prompted Gaetz and his team to reassess his viability. According to sources, GOP senators, while not outwardly negative during Gaetz’s meetings, realized that the confirmation process would be hampered by the ethics report’s findings.
While Trump remained committed to Gaetz and believed he was the right person to overhaul the Justice Department, many of his advisers expressed concerns that Gaetz could not survive the confirmation process. These doubts were communicated to Trump, who privately acknowledged the possibility of a failed confirmation but stood by his support for Gaetz.
Trump’s team had also begun to discuss potential alternatives in case Gaetz could not secure confirmation. However, there was no immediate resolution on what steps would follow Gaetz’s withdrawal.
Trump responded positively to Gaetz’s decision, praising his future prospects. He thanked Gaetz for his efforts and acknowledged his respect for Gaetz’s decision to step down, emphasizing that Gaetz had a bright future ahead. Meanwhile, the Trump transition team reiterated that the president remained committed to finding the right person to lead the Justice Department.
In the wake of Gaetz’s withdrawal, many Republican senators expressed relief. Some, like Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, saw it as a positive development, while others, such as Susan Collins and Markwayne Mullin, also agreed that Gaetz’s exit was the right move. South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds noted that Gaetz’s confirmation efforts would have been problematic.
However, Florida Senator Rick Scott expressed disappointment over Gaetz’s withdrawal, citing their long-standing working relationship and admiration for his abilities. The question now looms over whether Gaetz will return to the House of Representatives, despite resigning earlier this month.
Senior congressional leaders and aides are divided on the issue, with some believing Gaetz could still return after winning reelection. Legal ambiguity surrounds the situation, as there has been no special election called, and Gaetz’s resignation letter stated he did not intend to take the oath of office in January.
As for the ethics report, Democrats remain hopeful that its findings will eventually come to light, even as Republicans show reluctance to release it. Some Democrats suspect that Republicans are trying to delay the process, which could become a point of contention once Gaetz’s withdrawal clears the way for further action on the report.
The Ethics Committee is expected to vote on its final report in early December, but its release may be delayed or altered based on Gaetz’s decision to remove himself from consideration for attorney general.
The debate over the ethics report is still ongoing, with GOP members poised to weigh in on whether it should be made public. A few Republicans may join Democrats in pushing for its release, potentially increasing pressure on the leadership to act.
