Matt Gaetz Confirms He Won’t Join the 119th Congress

Former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has announced he will not return to Congress next year, opting to step away from his role in the House to take on a new position in the political arena. Gaetz, who recently withdrew as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, confirmed the decision during an appearance on The Charlie Kirk Show.

Speaking with Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on Friday, Gaetz made it clear that his time in Congress is over, at least for now. “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.

Gaetz had already resigned from the 118th Congress and, despite winning reelection earlier this month, has decided against taking his seat in the 119th Congress, which begins in January.

Gaetz expressed confidence in the candidates vying to replace him in Florida’s 1st Congressional District, which he has represented since 2017. “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. I’m actually excited to see Northwest Florida go to new heights and have great representation,” he said.

While Gaetz is stepping away from Capitol Hill, he emphasized his continued commitment to supporting Trump and the broader MAGA movement. “I’m going to be doing whatever [Trump] asks of me, as I always have,” he said.

Gaetz, who has served in Congress for eight years, suggested that this timing felt right for a transition. “Eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress,” he added.

Gaetz’s decision not to return to Congress or accept Trump’s nomination for attorney general comes in the wake of a House Ethics Committee report that raised allegations against him. Gaetz dismissed the report’s claims, stating they were based on sources that Attorney General Merrick Garland’s Department of Justice had already deemed unreliable.

Despite his confidence in his ability to overcome these allegations, Gaetz explained that he chose to bow out of the nomination process to avoid a lengthy confirmation fight that could delay Trump’s policy agenda.

“I could have answered all those questions. I could have engaged in a months-long fact battle, but we don’t have months to go through that,” Gaetz explained. “We’ve got to have an A.G. ready to go on day one to implement the immigration agenda and work on other key policy objectives.”

With Gaetz stepping aside, Trump has selected former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department. Gaetz voiced his full support for Bondi, praising her qualifications and predicting a smoother confirmation process for her compared to what he would have faced.

“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 said.

Bondi’s confirmation, Gaetz suggested, would avoid the political battles that his own nomination might have provoked. “Pam Bondi’s confirmation won’t have some of the sharp edges that mine would have. It won’t take the same long process,” he said.

By stepping aside, Gaetz believes the Justice Department will be able to hit the ground running under Bondi’s leadership. “A.G. Bondi will be able to start implementing those Trump policies right away, so we’re ready on day one,” he added.

Although Gaetz is stepping away from Congress, he indicated he has no intention of leaving the political fight. While he did not provide specifics about his future plans, his comments suggest he will remain a key player in Trump’s political and policy initiatives.

His departure from Congress and his withdrawal as Trump’s attorney general nominee mark a significant shift for the outspoken congressman, who has been a prominent figure in the MAGA movement.

As Gaetz moves into this new phase of his career, the political landscape in Florida’s 1st District and the Trump administration’s Justice Department agenda will both be closely watched. For now, Gaetz’s focus appears to remain on ensuring Trump’s policies are implemented effectively, even if he won’t be leading the charge from inside the Capitol.

In the meantime, the spotlight shifts to Pam Bondi as she prepares to take on the attorney general role. Gaetz’s endorsement of Bondi signals confidence in her ability to advance Trump’s agenda without delay, ensuring continuity in the president-elect’s policy priorities.