After Gates withdraws, Trump nominates Pam Bondi as Secretary of Justice

Donald Trump’s nominee for Justice Department, Matt Gaetz, announced Thursday that he was withdrawing his candidacy for the post after his nomination faced widespread opposition even within the Republican Party. his own, while the US President praised his candidate’s decision.

“Despite the strong momentum, it is clear that my appointment has been an undue distraction to the critical mission of the Trump administration’s transition team,” Gates said on stage X, which was , for his part, was quick to comment on the nominee’s decision to withdraw by predicting a “brilliant future” for him.

I had very good meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the wonderful support of so many. While the movement was strong, it is clear that my declaration was unfairly drawing attention to the critical work of the Trump/Vance…

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 21, 2024

In his first comment on Gates’ decision, Trump said he deserved respect for not wanting to be a source of confusion for his administration.

The president-elect said in a tweet on his “Truth Social” platform, “I really appreciate Matt Gaetz’s recent efforts in seeking permission to be a Attorney General to worry the administration that he has a lot of respect for her.”

Trump continued, “Matt has an amazing future, and I look forward to watching the great things he does.”

On Sunday, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, asked that the agency’s Ethics Committee should not issue a report on the sexual violations alleged by Gaetz, who the Democrats consider unqualified for the profession.

Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, is causing great controversy and polarization.

An investigation was opened against him on allegations of drug use, transfer of election campaign funds for personal use, inappropriate sharing of photos and videos in the House of Representatives, and other charges.

After Trump’s nomination to take over the Department of Justice, in a move that Democrats considered encouraging, the Florida representative resigned his membership in the Council, which stopped an investigation targeting him.

But lawmakers from both parties called for the report to be released, and even Republican senators said it was their constitutional responsibility to review nominations to see all the relevant information.