Who will Trump pick for attorney general after Gaetz’s withdrawal?

Matt Gaetz withdraws bid for Attorney General

Matt Gaetz, the former Florida representative and Trump nominee for Attorney General, announced Thursday that he is withdrawing as Trump's pick for the top prosecutor, citing what he described as the "distraction" his nomination had caused due to a swirl of allegations about paying underage women for sex. LiveNOW from FOX host Mike Pache spoke to political expert and professor at the University of Central Florida, Larry Walker on the latest.

WASHINGTON - President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to install fierce loyalist Matt Gaetz as attorney general hit a roadblock Thursday as the former Florida congressman withdrew his name from consideration amid backlash over past allegations. Gaetz’s decision leaves the Department of Justice’s top spot vacant just weeks before Trump’s new administration begins.

Gaetz cited his desire to avoid being a "distraction" to the incoming administration and its transition efforts. "Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1," Gaetz wrote on X.

Trump acknowledged the setback but praised Gaetz’s efforts: "Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do."

Who are the frontrunners?

With the DOJ vacancy now reopened, speculation has turned to who might replace Gaetz. Here are the leading contenders:

Andrew Bailey (Missouri Attorney General): Bailey has positioned himself as a strong defender of conservative causes, leading lawsuits against the Biden administration. His ties to Missouri Republican Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt could aid his Senate confirmation chances.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah): A constitutional conservative with a legal background, Lee would bring credibility and a relatively smooth confirmation process compared to other names. However, Lee has previously stated he prefers his current Senate role.

FILE - Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, questions Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh as he testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill on September 27, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Andrew Harnik - Pool/Getty Images)

John Ratcliffe (Former Director of National Intelligence): Ratcliffe has a track record of loyalty to Trump and extensive experience as a federal prosecutor. His leadership during Trump’s first term makes him a familiar and trusted figure for the president-elect.
Mark Paoletta (Former White House Attorney): Paoletta’s tenure during Trump’s first term showcased his hardline stance on aligning DOJ operations with the president’s agenda. His no-nonsense approach could appeal to Trump’s push for loyalty in the DOJ.
Matt Whitaker (Former Acting Attorney General): Whitaker, who temporarily led the DOJ during Trump’s first term, has the advantage of familiarity with the role. He has signaled openness to serving again but has deferred to Trump for the final decision.

Challenges in picking the next AG

Trump’s attorney general pick will face scrutiny from both Senate Republicans and Democrats. Gaetz’s withdrawal underscores the importance of selecting a candidate with both loyalty to Trump and a relatively clean record to avoid confirmation hurdles.

Senate Republicans have hinted at their preferences. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) suggested a nominee "the Senate recognizes and knows," while Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) lamented Gaetz’s departure but expressed hope for a similarly committed nominee.

What’s next for Trump’s DOJ?

The attorney general will play a pivotal role in Trump’s efforts to reshape the DOJ. Key issues include addressing claims of "weaponization" within the agency, investigating political adversaries, and managing Trump’s broader legal and policy priorities.

As the search continues, Trump’s selection will signal how he plans to approach these challenges and whether he can bridge internal GOP divides while maintaining his vision for the Justice Department.