Trump gave up on Matt Gaetz

Accused child sex trafficker Matt Gaetz’s decision to withdraw his nomination for attorney general came from an unexpected place: Donald Trump.

The Bulwark, a media outlet launched by a group of “Never Trump” Republicans, reported that Trump called Gaetz on Thursday to tell him he didn’t have the votes for confirmation and had to step aside. 

“You don’t have the votes,” Trump told Gaetz, according to The Bulwark. “These senators aren’t moving.”

Gaetz then announced he was withdrawing his nomination to avoid causing more distractions for Trump.