Former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida announced that he will not be returning to Congress after withdrawing his name from consideration for President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general due to sexual misconduct allegations. Gaetz stated that he has been in elected office for 14 years and is ready to pursue other goals in life. He expressed excitement for the new representation in his district and plans to continue supporting Trump in a new role. Gaetz denied the allegations against him, claiming they are false and an attempt to smear him. The House Ethics Committee was investigating the allegations of sexual misconduct, but Gaetz’s resignation has made it uncertain whether the committee will release their report. The Department of Justice had also investigated Gaetz for sex trafficking allegations but did not bring charges. Gaetz has vowed to remain a vocal member of Trump’s movement, but not as an elected official. He addressed his troubled relationship with some House Republicans, due to his role in efforts to remove Rep. Kevin McCarthy as House speaker. Gaetz emphasized that the allegations against him are unfounded and would have led to criminal charges if true. He plans to continue supporting Trump and playing a role in the realignment of politics.
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