There was some question as to whether Gaetz, who resigned from the House after Trump chose him for attorney general, would want to be sworn into the next Congress.

Summary

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz announced he will not return to Congress after withdrawing as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general amid sexual misconduct allegations.

Gaetz, who recently resigned from Congress, cited personal goals and his desire to support Trump from outside elected office.

He denied the allegations, which include claims of paying a minor for sex, calling them false.

A special election will be held on April 1, 2025, to fill his seat, leaving House Republicans with a slimmer majority.

Gaetz hinted at continuing involvement in Trump’s political movement.

    • EndOfLine@lemmy.worldEnglish
      64·
      3 days ago

      No. He helped to shield the reputation of an accused rapist, pedophile, and sex trafficker.

      By nominating Gaetz, Trump gave him an excuse to resign that has nothing to do with the ethics probe against him. After he resigned, the Republican led ethics committee was allowed to withhold the release of the ethics report. Once that was done, Gaetz withdrew from the nomination ensuring that the report also does not come up during confirmation hearings. Thus all of his dark secrets remain hidden in the shadows allowing him to reoffend and / or seek other positions of influence.

      • Atelopus-zeteki@fedia.io
        34·
        3 days ago

        Which is precisely why that report needs to come to light. And why accused politicians should not be allowed to quietly slip away by the simple measure of leaving office. The crimes alleged were either committed or they were not, and that needs to be determined by a court of law. Allowing politicians to avoid prosecution undermines democracy.

    • Erasmus@lemmy.worldEnglish
      6·
      3 days ago

      I thought that at first too but now I am starting to think that some of these nominations were a ruse. Nominate the ‘worst ones of my supporters’ that have zero chance and if they get in, they get in, favors re-paid.

      If they don’t then he gets to find out who cried the loudest against him to keep them out (aka who wasn’t ‘loyal’) in the process and he will work to get those people kicked out.

      He will always find jobs for the Gaetz’s or whoever - maybe not top cabinet picks but there will be some ass kissing job somewhere.

      But I might be wrong as well. Gaetz was all around hated by everyone and completely incompetent but then again so are a few of his other choices. I guess time will tell.