Matt Gaetz said that he does not intend to return to Congress after withdrawing his name for consideration as Attorney General. Gaetz resigned from Congress after he was nominated for the position by President-elect Donald Trump. However, he was forced to step away amid resurfaced accusations that Gaetz engaged in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl.
While no charges were filed against Gaetz after the accusations were investigated by the Justice Department, a report created by the House Ethics Committee reportedly contained damaging testimony from witnesses, including two underage girls. A vote to release the report was tied, with five Republicans voting to block it and five Democrats voting to release it.
On Friday (November 22), Gaetz said that he would not be seeking a return to his congressional seat.
"I'm still going to be in the fight, but it's going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress," he told Charlie Kirk in an interview on his podcast.
"There are a number of fantastic Floridians who've stepped up to run for my seat, people who have been inspired by their heroism and their public service. And I'm actually excited to see Northwest Florida go to new heights and have great representation," Gaetz explained.
Gaetz said he still plans to work with Trump as the president-elect prepares for his second term in office.
"I'm going to be fighting for President Trump. 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," Gaetz said.
"I am so excited about where this transition stands, and I know there are people disappointed that I won't be the next attorney general, but you have to understand this is the political process, and sometimes the path you're on is one that takes you to a different place, and it could be a glorious place," he added.
Gaetz also offered praise for Pam Bondi, who Trump picked to replace him as the nominee for Attorney General.
"My good friend Pam Bondi is going to be a phenomenal attorney general for Donald Trump. She has the legal acumen. She hates criminals. She is a bright legal mind and a fellow Floridian."