Matt Gaetz Resigns from Congress as Trump’s Pick for Attorney General

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) resigned from Congress effective immediately following President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that Gaetz would be nominated to serve as the next U.S. Attorney General. The resignation ends Gaetz’s tenure in the House and clears the way for him to take on a new role in Trump’s administration, where he will focus on dismantling corruption and restoring trust in the Department of Justice.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) confirmed Gaetz’s departure at a press conference, stating that Gaetz had submitted his resignation letter and would no longer serve in Congress. Johnson added that Gaetz’s decision to step down was unexpected, even for House Republican leadership.

“I asked him what the reasoning was, and he said, ‘Well, you can’t have too many absences,’” Johnson shared. “So under Florida State law, there’s about an eight-week period to select and fill in a vacant seat.”

With Gaetz’s resignation, Johnson has already reached out to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to expedite the process of filling the now-vacant House seat. According to Johnson, if the timeline is followed, the position could potentially be filled by January 3, when the new Congress convenes.

Gaetz’s resignation also brings a swift end to a House Ethics Committee investigation surrounding allegations that have dogged the congressman in recent years. The committee was reportedly set to vote soon on whether to release findings from its investigation, which Gaetz had always maintained was politically motivated. His departure effectively closes that chapter, allowing him to focus entirely on his forthcoming role within the Trump administration.

On social media, Trump praised Gaetz’s relentless pursuit of justice and his steadfast defense against the “weaponization” of the government.

“Matt is a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney, trained at the William & Mary College of Law, who has distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice,” Trump wrote.

Gaetz’s new position will put him at the forefront of Trump’s efforts to overhaul a Justice Department that many conservatives argue has been weaponized for political purposes. Gaetz’s priorities will include pursuing drug cartels and reversing what he and Trump have criticized as systemic corruption within the DOJ.

In recent years, Gaetz has been a powerful voice on the House Judiciary Committee, exposing what he describes as “alarming and systemic government corruption.” Trump credited Gaetz’s contributions to debunking the “Russia Hoax” and his investigative work into government overreach.

“Matt will root out the systemic corruption at DOJ, and return the Department to its true mission of fighting Crime, and upholding our Democracy and Constitution,” Trump added.

Gaetz’s appointment underscores Trump’s commitment to rebuilding a Justice Department that, under recent Democratic leadership, has lost the trust of many Americans. With Gaetz in charge, the DOJ is expected to prioritize law and order, bolster transparency, and end politically driven investigations that have plagued recent administrations. Gaetz’s mission: to make the DOJ a pillar of integrity and accountability.

Gaetz responded to the nomination with enthusiasm, posting on X, “It will be an honor to serve as President Trump’s Attorney General!”

The transition of Gaetz from Congress to Attorney General will undoubtedly shake up Washington, but for conservatives across the country, it’s a clear sign that the incoming administration is serious about bringing reform to the Justice Department and ending the days of politicized prosecutions.

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