Gaetz teases new role in Trump world after failed AG bid

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) says he will continue the “fight” for President-elect Donald Trump even after he withdrew from consideration to be the next attorney general.
Gaetz withdrew from the nomination on Thursday, saying that he no longer wanted to distract from Trump’s incoming administration due to his numerous controversies. He had resigned from Congress reportedly just days before the potential release of a House Ethics Committee report that investigated allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use against him.
He confirmed to conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Friday that he also would not be returning to Congress in 2025 despite easily winning his reelection bid earlier this month.
“I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’ll be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” he said. He noted that there are a number of “fantastic Floridians” who are qualified to take over his seat.
He went on to tease that he will continue to do whatever Trump’s wants him to do.
“I’m 42 now, and I’ve got other goals in life that I’m eager to pursue — my wife and my family — and so I’m going to be fighting for President Trump,” he said. “I’m going to be doing whatever he asks of me, as I always have. But I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress.”
“We need a leadership structure under President Trump that’s going to allow for durability of our movement and the ability to continue this great realignment of our politics, and so I’ll play a part in that,” he added moments later. “I plan to be a big voice, but maybe not as an elected member of the government.”
His comments come as MAGA supporters have floated the idea of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) appointing him to replace Sen. Marco Rubio—who Trump tapped to be his Secretary of State. It’s not clear yet what Gaetz will do now, but others have also suggested he could run for governor of Florida once DeSantis’s term is up.
Hours after Gaetz withdrew from consideration, Trump announced Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida, would be his choice for Attorney General.
Gaetz stepped aside amid continued fallout over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. Gaetz’s vehemently denied the allegations, but his nomination stunned many career lawyers inside the Justice Department. Gaetz, who passed the bar but barely worked as a lawyer, had very little relevant experience for the job. Bondi comes with years of legal work under her belt and that other trait Trump prizes above all: loyalty.
The hasty withdrawal by Gaetz and quick pivot to Bondi were the latest examples of Trump’s tumultuous decision-making as he rushes out nominations — some of questionable character and credentials — at a breakneck pace without the government vetting that is typical of presidential transitions. It’s an omen that despite running his most organized campaign for the White House this year, his return to the Oval Office might feature the same sort of drama that permeated his first term.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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