Washington, D.C. – Embattled Republican leader and former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration for the role of Attorney General in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. Gaetz made the announcement Thursday on X (formerly Twitter), citing the “distraction” caused by ongoing allegations of sexual misconduct.
“It is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz wrote. “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.”
This decision follows a series of explosive allegations resurfacing against Gaetz, including claims of participation in sex parties, underage sexual abuse, and drug use during his time in Congress.
Allegations of Sex Parties and Drug Use Resurface
Gaetz has been accused of attending at least ten sex parties between 2017 and 2018 while serving his first term in Congress. Lawyer Joel Leppard, who represents two women who testified before the House Ethics Committee, alleged that these parties involved drugs and other illicit activities.
One of Leppard’s clients claimed she witnessed Gaetz engaging in sexual activity with an underage girl at one of the events. The woman stated that the incident took place against a games table and corroborated reports of widespread drug use at these gatherings.
“The American people deserve to know the truth about the person slated to become the top law enforcement officer in the country,” Leppard said in a statement, adding that he plans to make media appearances to pressure the committee into releasing its report.
Leppard also emphasized that his clients are reluctant to testify again. “My clients have already been through this several times and they really, really do not want to testify again,” he said, particularly “not on the floor of the Senate.”
History of Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Gaetz
The accusations against Gaetz are not new. In 2020, he faced allegations of child sex trafficking and the statutory rape of a 17-year-old girl. It was alleged that Gaetz paid the girl to travel across state lines to engage in sexual activities with him. While the Justice Department opened an investigation, no charges were ultimately filed.
Additionally, the House Ethics Committee launched an investigation into claims of underage sexual abuse, drug use, financial improprieties, and sharing sexually explicit images on the House floor.
Gaetz has vehemently denied all allegations, calling them false and politically motivated. “This false smear following a three-year criminal investigation should be viewed with great skepticism,” he said.
Lawyer Joel Leppard Pressures for Ethics Committee Report Release
Leppard urged the House Ethics Committee to release its findings to provide clarity on the allegations against Gaetz. The report, which was expected to be released before Gaetz’s nomination as Attorney General, has not yet been made public.
Leppard suggested that Gaetz’s resignation from Congress and subsequent nomination allowed him to avoid further scrutiny. “The American people deserve transparency, especially when it comes to the individual who could become the nation’s top law enforcement officer,” Leppard argued.
Pete Hegseth Faces Separate Allegations
Meanwhile, another Trump nominee, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, who was being considered for Secretary of Defense, is also under fire. Hegseth reportedly paid an undisclosed settlement to a woman who accused him of sexual assault.
Hegseth’s lawyer claimed the settlement was the result of blackmail during the height of the #MeToo movement. “Basically, he was totally innocent. He did nothing wrong here,” the lawyer said. “We went through a mediation and ultimately settled for far less than what she wanted. And that should have completely buried it.”
Gaetz’s Withdrawal Sparks Political Debate
Gaetz’s decision to step back from the nomination has ignited political debate over Trump’s cabinet picks and the implications of ongoing scandals. Critics argue that the allegations surrounding Gaetz are indicative of a broader ethical crisis within the Republican leadership, while supporters maintain that the accusations are baseless attacks designed to derail Trump’s transition.
As the dust settles, questions remain about the fallout from Gaetz’s withdrawal and how it will impact Trump’s cabinet selections moving forward.