Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration amid sexual misconduct allegations
US President-elect Donald Trump has introduced former Florida Legal professional Normal Pam Bondi as his new nominee to steer the Justice Division hours after his preliminary choice withdrew. The announcement got here by way of a publish on social media Thursday, following former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz’s choice to withdraw from consideration for the function amid sexual misconduct allegations.
“For too lengthy, the partisan Division of Justice has been weaponized towards me and different Republicans – Not anymore,” Trump said on his Fact Social platform. He expressed confidence in Bondi, describing her as “sensible and difficult” and an “AMERICA FIRST Fighter.”
Bondi, who served as Florida’s lawyer normal from 2011 to 2019, was beforehand concerned in a Trump-led fee aimed toward addressing the opioid disaster and combating drug habit. Trump praised her efforts towards drug trafficking, highlighting the significance of those points beneath her potential management.
In response to Trump’s announcement, Gaetz spoke extremely of Bondi on social media platform X, calling her “a stellar choice.”
Gaetz was nominated by Trump every week prior however withdrew, saying his affirmation course of can be a “distraction” to the incoming administration. Presidential cupboard picks require Senate approval, and Gaetz confronted important opposition not solely from Democrats but in addition some Republicans.
The previous congressman was embroiled in controversy over allegations associated to inappropriate conduct with underage people, which he has denied. Although the Justice Division concluded its investigation with out urgent prices, the Home Ethics Committee continued to evaluation the matter – reportedly due to California Congressman Kevin McCarthy, whose ouster from the speaker’s chair final yr was spearheaded by Gaetz.
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