Gaetz Steps Down Amid Allegations

On Thursday, Matt Gaetz took his name out of the running for Attorney General just as Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, was conducting meetings with senators on Capitol Hill. Gaetz’s withdrawal comes at a crucial time, as the fallout over sex trafficking allegations continues to loom large.

Scrutiny Over Hegseth and Allegations

Pete Hegseth, a former high-profile Fox News host and Army National Guard officer, is facing his own set of complications. Recently revealed allegations related to a 2017 encounter have put the spotlight on him, just as he seeks Senate confirmation. The situation intensified following the release of a police report from Monterey, California, which detailed the accusations against him.

Defense Secretary Nominee Responds

In a statement to reporters, Hegseth asserted, “The matter was fully investigated, and I was completely cleared.” He also acknowledged the sexual encounter, asserting that it was consensual. Despite these assurances, the scrutiny and media attention are expected to surge as Senators prepare for his confirmation hearings.

Trump’s transition team spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, has expressed confidence in Hegseth, referring to him as “a highly-respected combat veteran who will honorably serve our country when he is confirmed.”

Political Ramifications of Gaetz’s Withdraw

With Gaetz no longer a contender, Hegseth’s situation has become particularly sensitive, especially given the military’s ongoing issues with sexual assault. Republican Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota voiced his concerns, noting, “It’s a pretty big problem given that we have … a sexual assault problem in our military,” while indicating he would reserve judgment.

Trump’s Support and Future Picks

On the same day, the Trump transition team circulated an email titled “Pete Hegseth Earns Strong Support On Capitol Hill,” which highlighted endorsements from 11 GOP senators, including Cramer. According to sources close to the transition team, the issues surrounding Gaetz are perceived as isolated and not indicative of broader challenges facing the upcoming administration.

Growing Concerns for Other Trump Picks

As the scrutiny intensifies, potential concerns are also surfacing for other Trump nominees such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former Representative Tulsi Gabbard, who have been selected for the roles of Health and Human Services Secretary and Director of National Intelligence, respectively. Both individuals may face backlash due to previous controversial remarks.

A source within Trump’s political circle remarked that Kennedy and Gabbard might need to proactively address their past comments to navigate the approval process. Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina suggested Kennedy should “get ahead of” certain issues before seeking support on Capitol Hill.

Strategic Configurations within the GOP

According to a Republican strategist who has previously advised Senators, Gaetz’s withdrawal might provide a form of political cover for other nominees. The strategist stated, “There’s always one that goes down who gives cover to the others,” suggesting that Hegseth, Gabbard, and Kennedy have challenges ahead but that the GOP conference will be more unified without Gaetz in the spotlight.

The source indicated that Gaetz was “the only one that was a non-starter,” implying that the party may be ready to rally behind other nominees now that the immediate storm has passed.