Matt Gaetz‘s decision to resign from Congress has left many wondering about the reasons behind his sudden exit. Announced shortly after he was tapped by President-elect Donald Trump as a potential attorney general, Gaetz’s departure raises numerous questions about his next steps.
Here is more about why did Matt Gaetz resign from Congress along with the details about his investigation.
Why did Matt Gaetz resign after being picked as Attorney General by Donald Trump?
On Wednesday, President-elect Donald Trump selected Rep. Matt Gaetz as his nominee for attorney general. Gaetz, a vocal Trump supporter and former attorney trained at the William & Mary College of Law, has championed the need for reforms at the department.
Trump hailed him as a “gifted and tenacious attorney” who is eager to reshape the nation’s justice landscape. (via ABC News)
Shortly after the announcement, House Speaker Mike Johnson revealed that Gaetz unexpectedly submitted his immediate resignation from Congress. This move frees the House Ethics Committee from its ongoing investigation into Gaetz. It also allows Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to start the process for a special election to fill his vacant seat. Johnson noted that Gaetz’s decision to step down surprised him. However, he added that it was a “great service” to prevent any delays in seating a new representative.
Why is Matt Gaetz being investigated?
Before his selection, Matt Gaetz was the subject of a high-profile federal investigation led by the Justice Department. The investigation was over allegations that he engaged in sex trafficking involving underage girls. The probe, which was launched under Attorney General Bill Barr during Trump’s first term, was officially closed last year. No charges were filed against Gaetz.
Despite the closure of the investigation, Gaetz has continued to face inquiries. This included one from the House Ethics Committee, which was nearing a decision on whether to release a report on his conduct when Trump announced his decision to nominate him for the Justice Department role. The committee’s investigation, which also included allegations of illicit drug use, effectively ended following Gaetz’s sudden resignation from Congress on the same day of the announcement.
