Gaetz withdrew his attorney general nomination and said the process was ‘unfairly becoming a distraction’ to Trump transition

• Matt Gaetz withdraws from consideration to be Trump’s attorney general

The reactions to Matt Gaetz’s surprise withdrawal of his attorney general nomination are coming in.

First up is California’s Democratic representative Eric Swalwell, who took to X and wrote:

“As I said repeatedly last week, Matt Gaetz is never, ever becoming Attorney General.

Like ever.”

“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 Transition.

There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as attorney general. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1. I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will Save America.”