With Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal, Trump’s ‘retribution’ campaign hits the harsh reality of governing in Washington
The obstacles President-elect Donald Trump may have in his efforts to transform his campaign of retaliation into a governing coalition that can function within the confines of Washington are exemplified by Matt Gaetz's withdrawal on Thursday as a candidate for attorney general.
Few people better represent Trump's agenda of grievances and vendettas than Gaetz, a congressman from Florida until recently. Even against his own Republican leadership, he has been in the forefront of MAGA resistance in Congress and one of Trump's most pugilist advocates.
Trump would at last have the devoted attorney general he thought he was lacking during his first term in Gaetz.
From the time Trump startled many of Washington by announcing Gaetz as his pick eight days ago, however, it was a difficult sell.
Gaetz...