USA Departed Trump backer Gaetz won't return to the House

First Matt Gaetz withdrew as Donald Trump's candidate for the Department of Justice, now the controversial Republican is also giving up his seat in the US House of Representatives. He does not want to run for his seat in the upcoming legislative period from January. "I will continue to fight, but from a new perspective. I have no plans to join the 119th Congress," said the supporter of the US President-elect in an interview with the conservative American podcaster Charlie Kirk.

He had spent enough time in Congress and now had other goals, said Gaetz. However, he wants to remain politically active. "I plan to be a big voice," the 42-year-old announced. "I'm here to help save this country."

Gaetz had already resigned his seat in parliament after Trump nominated him as future Attorney General last week. However, due to his election victory in Florida on November 5, it would still have been possible for him to accept his seat for the next legislative term. He has now ruled this out.

Only on Thursday, following talks with senators, he declared that he would no longer be available as a candidate for the Department of Justice. The Senate, where the Republicans have a narrow majority from January, would have had to confirm the nomination of the controversial candidate - but success was considered very uncertain.

A fierce debate about Gaetz had recently flared up. Among other things, he is accused of having sex with a minor and drug use. He rejects both. The ethics committee of the House of Representatives had drawn up a report on the allegations - but did not initially publish it, as Gaetz immediately gave up his seat in the chamber after the nomination, which is usually accompanied by a suspension of proceedings. According to parliamentary circles, one possible reason for him not to return is the possibility that he could once again be targeted by the ethics committee.

SDA