Michael S. Schmidt, an investigative reporter for The New York Times who covered the Matt Gaetz saga, offers insider insights into Gaetz's abrupt withdrawal from the attorney general race. He highlights the ethical scrutiny surrounding Gaetz, including allegations of misconduct and the implications of private findings from the House Ethics Committee. The conversation also touches on the broader political fallout for Senate Republicans and the challenges of handling controversies within Trump's administration, amplifying the theme of accountability in politics.
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Quick takeaways
Matt Gaetz's withdrawal from attorney general consideration signifies the weight of ethical concerns amid political machinations and public scrutiny.
The House Ethics Committee's decision to withhold its report on Gaetz has raised transparency issues, frustrating Democrats seeking clarity on serious allegations.
Deep dives
Matt Gaetz's Withdrawal as Attorney General Nominee
Matt Gaetz's abrupt withdrawal from consideration as attorney general highlights significant political and ethical implications surrounding his candidacy. Initially, there were strong efforts from Trump and his allies to secure Gaetz's confirmation despite ongoing ethics investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. However, the growing scrutiny and potential for damaging revelations forced the Trump team to reevaluate the viability of Gaetz's nomination. Ultimately, Gaetz himself recognized that his confirmation had become an unnecessary distraction, leading to his resignation announcement.
House Ethics Committee Decision and Its Impact
The refusal of the House Ethics Committee to release its investigative report on Gaetz has stirred controversy among lawmakers. Speaker Mike Johnson argued that releasing the report was unnecessary since Gaetz was no longer a member of Congress, raising concerns about the committee's jurisdiction. This decision has frustrated Democrats who demanded transparency regarding the serious accusations against Gaetz, which include payments for sex and involvement with a minor. The locked-up report potentially benefited Gaetz at the time, as it limited the public knowledge of allegations he faced during the confirmation process.
Future Implications for Trump's Attorney General Pick
With Gaetz out of the running, discussions are underway for Trump's next choice for attorney general, with former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi emerging as a prominent candidate. Trump's decision not to push for Gaetz's confirmation suggests a strategic pivot, as the incoming president aims to avoid contentious battles with Senate Republicans. Analysts note that Bondi's loyalty to Trump and her acceptance by senators could facilitate a smoother confirmation process. The situation illustrates the dynamic nature of political appointments, where public perception and ongoing investigations can dramatically alter the landscape.
After just nine days as Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general, Matt Gaetz has withdrawn from consideration.
Michael S. Schmidt, an investigative reporter for The Times, discusses the revelations and the reporting that doomed the prospective nomination of Gaetz, a former representative of Florida.
Guest: Michael S. Schmidt, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, covering Washington.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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