Trump team passes over Gaetz for attorney general role due to blackmail concerns

Former Congressman Matt Gaetz was considered for Attorney General in Donald Trump's upcoming administration but was ultimately not nominated due to concerns about his past. Trump's team believed Gaetz could be vulnerable to blackmail, which raised risks for the position. Trump nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi instead. Gaetz faced scrutiny over allegations of sexual misconduct, including a 2017 incident involving a minor, but the Justice Department did not pursue charges. He resigned from Congress before an Ethics Committee report could be released. Despite these issues, Gaetz remains in Trump's inner circle, with some advocating for him to take a significant role that would not require Senate confirmation. Gaetz was re-elected to Congress but indicated he would not take the oath of office for the next term.