First insiders reported that Matt Gaetz’s charm offensive in Washington, D.C., appeared to make headway.
On Wednesday, he met with Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and 10 key Republican senators whose support was essential for his confirmation as Donald Trump’s attorney general pick. “Feedback from the senators on the meetings was very positive,” said a source close to Vance.
However, by Thursday, Gaetz’s candidacy unraveled amid the fallout from a federal sex trafficking investigation. Despite Trump’s public insistence that he had no “Plan B,” sources close to the president acknowledged the mounting political reality: Gaetz was unlikely to secure the votes needed for confirmation.
Gaetz’s Hasty Exit
Gaetz’s meetings with Republican senators and Trump’s outreach calls failed to shift the numbers in his favor. In a Thursday morning phone call, Trump reportedly acknowledged that Gaetz’s confirmation was unattainable.
Shortly after, Gaetz announced his withdrawal from consideration, stating, “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle.” He emphasized the need for Trump’s Justice Department to be operational from Day 1.
“Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1,” Gaetz wrote on social media.
A Contentious Nomination Process
Gaetz’s withdrawal avoided what many predicted would be a grueling confirmation saga. Allegations of misconduct, including claims of sexual encounters with a 17-year-old and drug-fueled parties, made him a lightning rod for criticism. Democrats were also pushing for the release of a House ethics investigation into his alleged behavior.
Some Republican senators, such as Markwayne Mullin, expressed relief at the withdrawal. “Given the reports coming out, it was probably a good decision,” Mullin remarked.
Trump’s New AG Pick: Pam Bondi
Within hours of Gaetz’s withdrawal, Trump announced former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his replacement pick for attorney general. Bondi, a loyal Trump ally, is well-regarded in Republican circles and brings years of legal experience to the table. Her selection marked a sharp pivot from the controversial and embattled Gaetz.
Bondi’s nomination is expected to proceed more smoothly, as she is less polarizing than Gaetz and has fewer controversies in her background. Senator Lindsey Graham praised Bondi’s selection, calling it a “grand slam pick.”
Implications for Trump’s Agenda
The swift resolution highlights Trump’s urgency to build a Cabinet capable of executing his ambitious agenda from the outset. With a one-term presidency ahead, Trump’s focus remains on advancing his policy goals, including immigration reforms and a sweeping overhaul of the Department of Justice.
Seasoned political observers noted that Gaetz’s withdrawal was inevitable. Carl Domino, a former Florida legislator, remarked, “This was inevitable. The administration couldn’t afford to burn political capital on a nomination doomed from the start.”
The transition now turns to Bondi’s confirmation process, which is expected to set the tone for Trump’s return to the White House.
