Former Republican congressman Matt Gates has said he is withdrawing from being a candidate for attorney general – a post that had been handpicked by US President-elect Donald Trump, a controversial choice that had sparked backlash even within the Republican Party.
“There is no time to waste in a protracted and pointless confrontation in Washington, so I will withdraw my name from the possibility of being Attorney General,” Gates wrote in a post on X. “Trump’s attorney general needs to be in place and ready from day one” of administration, he stressed.
The announcement came a day after the House Ethics Committee deadlocked over the release of a report alleging sexual harassment and illegal drug use by Gates, and after he met with Republican senators whose support he would need to become attorney general.
Since Gates’ nomination for the post was announced last week, there has been intense backlash in Congress.
Three years of investigations into the case of trafficking a 17-year-old girl
Yesterday, the House Ethics Committee failed to reach an agreement on whether or not to release a report into allegations of sexual misconduct against Matt Gates.
The Justice Department had been investigating Gates for nearly three years on charges of human trafficking involving a 17-year-old girl. His office had announced in 2023 that it had been told by prosecutors that no criminal charges would be brought against him.
However, the House Ethics Committee continued its investigation into Gates on charges of sexual misconduct, illegal drug use and possible obstruction of justice. Gates himself denies the accusations.
I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance…
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 21, 2024
#USA #Matt #Gates #withdraws #candidate #Minister #Justice
Here are two PAA related questions based on the text:
## The Gaetz Controversy: A World Today News Interview
**Welcome back to World Today News. Today we’re discussing the withdrawal of former Representative Matt Gaetz from his candidacy for Attorney General under the incoming Trump administration. We have two esteemed guests joining us today:**
* **Dr. Jessica Thompson,** a constitutional law expert and professor at Georgetown University.
* **Mr. David Miller,** a veteran political journalist and commentator for The Washington Post.
Thank you both for joining us.
**Let’s begin by unpacking the announcement itself:**
**Dr. Thompson, what are your initial thoughts on Matt Gaetz withdrawing his nomination for Attorney General? Was this a predictable outcome given the recent controversies surrounding him?**
**(Dr. Thompson’s Response)**
**Mr. Miller, how do you think this withdrawal will impact the incoming Trump administration and its agenda? Particularly given the initial strong support Mr. Trump expressed for Mr. Gaetz?**
**(Mr. Miller’s Response)**
**Moving on to the allegations against Mr. Gaetz:**
**Mr. Miller,** the article mentions allegations of sexual misconduct, illegal drug use, and possible obstruction of justice against Mr. Gaetz. While the Justice Department decided not to pursue criminal charges, the House Ethics Committee continued its investigation. How do these lingering accusations impact the public’s perception of Mr. Gaetz and the Republican Party as a whole?
**(Mr. Miller’s Response)**
**Dr. Thompson, given that these allegations are serious but haven’t resulted in criminal charges, what are the potential legal ramifications for Mr. Gaetz moving forward? Could he still face repercussions from the Ethics Committee or other governing bodies?**
**(Dr. Thompson’s Response)**
**let’s discuss the broader implications of this situation:**
**Dr. Thompson, this case raises important questions about the vetting process for high-level government positions. What lessons can be learned from this situation, and how can future administrations ensure that candidates are thoroughly vetted and meet the high ethical standards expected of them?**
**(Dr. Thompson’s Response)**
**Mr. Miller,** considering the highly partisan climate in Washington, how do you think this controversy will influence future political appointments? Will it lead to a more cautious and measured approach from both parties in selecting their nominees?**
**(Mr. Miller’s Response)**
**Thank you both for your valuable insights on this complex and controversial topic. It’s clear that the question of Matt Gaetz’s candidacy and the allegations against him will continue to be debated for some time.
We’ll continue to follow this developing story and bring you further analysis and commentary.**
**Be sure to check back with World Today News for further updates on this and other important issues.**
**[1](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/matt-gaetz-withdraws-bid-attorney-general-sexual-misconduct-allegation-rcna181206)**
