Matt Gaetz says he won't return to Congress next year

Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who withdrew from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general on Thursday, announced on Friday that he will not return to Congress next year.

“I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz said in an interview with Charlie Kirk.

First elected in 2016, Gaetz resigned from the House earlier this month following his nomination by Trump to lead the Department of Justice. His resignation came ahead of the release of a House Ethics Committee report investigating allegations against him, including claims of sexual misconduct, which Gaetz has consistently denied. The question of whether the report would be released after his departure sparked a heated debate on Capitol Hill about his potential confirmation.

In an interview, Gaetz expressed enthusiasm for his future plans while reflecting on his decision.

“There are a number of fantastic Floridians who’ve stepped up to run for my seat, people who have inspired with their heroism, with their public service. And I’m actually excited to see Northwest Florida go to new heights and have great representation,” he said.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to Trump, stating, “I’m going to be fighting for President Trump. I’m going to be doing whatever he asks of me, as I always have. But I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress.”

Gaetz will continue to participate in the Trump transition team, helping with staffing and providing input for the incoming administration. He also praised Trump’s alternate choice for attorney general, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, whose nomination was announced hours after Gaetz withdrew.

“I am so excited about where this transition stands,” Gaetz said. “My good friend Pam Bondi is going to be a phenomenal attorney general for Donald Trump. She has the legal acumen. She hates criminals. She is a bright legal mind and a fellow Floridian.”

Gaetz acknowledged that his own confirmation would have faced significant challenges, saying his nomination “was unfairly becoming a distraction.” He noted, “Pam Bondi’s confirmation won’t have some of the sharp edges that mine would have.”

Reflecting on the demands of his brief nomination, Gaetz remarked, “I had a full-time job explaining to senators that maybe a tweet I sent about them was rash and not reflective of how I would serve as attorney general. And at the same time, I was having to build out the Department of Justice with the right human talent and the right policy infrastructure.”

Despite stepping aside, Gaetz remains optimistic about his political future and his role in the Trump administration’s vision for the country.