Despite criticism of his choice and the uphill battle the former congressman may face during confirmation hearings next year, President-elect Trump has decided not to reconsider his candidacy of Matt Gaetz to serve as his attorney general.
Trump was in Boca Chica, Texas, watching SpaceX launch its Starship rocket for its sixth test flight when he was questioned about Gaetz.
“Mr. President, are you reconsidering the nomination of Matt Gaetz?” Trump was asked.
“No,” Trump responded before walking away.
He did not respond to a question about how far he would go to have Gaetz confirmed.
Gaetz’s candidacy has come under fire as a result of a years-long probe into allegations of sexual misbehavior and illicit drug usage. He was previously investigated by the Justice Department, but the agency decided not to file charges.
The Florida Republican quit last week, just hours after being named President Donald Trump’s attorney general.
The House Ethics Committee’s probe into Gaetz began in 2021. The group was set to release a report on the claims, but the departure changed everything.
When asked about the probe, House Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest, R-Miss, stated, “Once the investigation is completed, a report will be issued — assuming that Mr. Gaetz is still a member of Congress at that time.”
“If Mr. Gaetz resigns because he is joining the administration as attorney general, the Ethics Committee loses authority at that time. Once we lose jurisdiction, no report will be issued. “That is not unique to this case.”
In order to ensure his confirmation, Gaetz has been calling Senate Republicans. It would only take a few Republican votes to block him.
Several Republican senators have raised worries about Gaetz, and the Senate GOP will only have a 53-47 seat majority next year.