Matt Gaetz resigns as US Attorney General

Photo: Alex Brandon Associated Press Matt Gaetz at a party at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence, last Thursday

Agence France-Presse

Published at 12:45 Updated at 1:23

• United States

Former Florida Republican Matt Gaetz, Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, announced Thursday that he would step down from the post after a week of controversy over the choice.

“Despite strong momentum, it's clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction from the critical work of the Trump/Vance transition team,” he said on X the day after meeting with senators ahead of Senate hearings next year to confirm his nomination.

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“There is no time to waste in an unnecessarily protracted fight in Washington, which is why I will be withdrawing from the nomination process for attorney general,” he added.

Matt Gaetz, who has been under investigation by the House of Representatives for alleged sexual offenses, resigned from the chamber on November 13 shortly after the president-elect's choice was announced.

Donald Trump confirmed his withdrawal, expressing his “respect” for the decision and promising him a “bright future” on his Truth Social network.

The choice of Matt Gaetz for the strategic Justice Department had caused a stir both because of his highly controversial character and his lack of experience legal.

His resignation effectively ended the House Ethics Committee's investigation into paid sex, including with a minor, which he denies, illegal drug use, misappropriation of campaign funds and various misconduct.

Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, say the report is moot because the investigation is closed. But lawmakers on both sides called for it to at least be sent to the Senate.

In a closed-door meeting Wednesday, the two sides failed to agree on what to do next in the investigation.

Matt Gaetz is accused of having sex with a 17-year-old girl, which he denies, and was the subject of a federal investigation that was closed.

The ethics commission’s investigation launched in 2021 focuses in particular on accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior — prostitution is illegal in Florida — and drug use.

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