Gaetz Withdraws From Attorney General Consideration

Matt Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump’s embattled pick to lead the U.S. Department of Justice as attorney general, said Thursday he was withdrawing his name from consideration to lead the federal law enforcement agency. Gaetz’ decision comes after meeting with U.S. senators, many of whom had expressed misgivings about Gaetz, who made enemies in Congress, including for his role in ousting former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The Senate must vote to confirm Trump cabinet nominees. Republicans on the House Ethics Commitee blocked the release of a long-awaited ethics report on Gaetz earlier this week despite some senators calling for its release.