President Trump’s “retribution” campaign faces challenges of governance in Washington after Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal

Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal as a candidate for attorney general exemplifies the hurdles President-elect Donald Trump may face as he navigates turning his campaign promises into a workable governing coalition. Gaetz, known for his loyalty to Trump and confrontational stance in Congress, was Trump’s pick for attorney general, but faced opposition due to a past sex-trafficking investigation and ongoing ethics issues. Senate Republicans, including leaders like Mitch McConnell, were planning to vote against Gaetz, leading to his decision to withdraw his name from consideration. This episode highlights the unconventional approach of Trump’s team, who may not have fully vetted Gaetz before the nomination, and their disconnect with Capitol Hill. Despite this setback, Trump is expected to meet soon with new attorney general prospects, with no clear frontrunner. In addition to Gaetz, other controversial Cabinet picks, such as Pete Hegseth and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will likely face confirmation challenges in the Senate. Gaetz’s withdrawal was met with relief by many in the Justice Department, signaling the end of a turbulent chapter in the transition process. Overall, the situation with Gaetz underscores the difficulties Trump might encounter in assembling a cohesive and functional administration.

Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com