Fetterman Reacts to Gaetz’s AG Withdrawal: ‘Holy Sh*t’

Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman didn’t hold back when reacting to Florida GOP Representative Matt Gaetz’s decision to withdraw his name from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general pick.

“Holy s‑‑‑, I didn’t see that coming,” Fetterman mockingly remarked when questioned by a reporter about Gaetz’s announcement.

Gaetz explained his decision in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing that although he had “excellent meetings” with Senators, his confirmation process had “unfairly become a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.”

Meanwhile, Trump praised Gaetz on Truth Social, calling him a “deeply gifted and tenacious attorney” and highlighting his focus on reforming the Department of Justice.

Trump Announces Pam Bondi as Attorney General Nominee

Shortly after Gaetz’s withdrawal, Trump named Pam Bondi, Florida’s former attorney general, as his nominee for the position.

“Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on Violent Criminals and made the streets safe for Florida Families,” Trump wrote in his announcement. He credited Bondi with significant efforts to combat drug trafficking and reduce fentanyl overdose deaths, calling her an “AMERICA FIRST Fighter” who would “refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again.”

In a show of support, Gaetz described Bondi as “a stellar selection” on X, recalling their close collaboration during her tenure as Florida’s attorney general. He lauded her as “a proven litigator, an inspiring leader, and a champion for all Americans.”

Critics Warn of Bondi’s Impact

Pam Bondi’s nomination quickly sparked concern among progressives. MSNBC contributor Jason Johnson labeled her a “dangerous and effective pick,” noting her experience and capability to execute Trump’s agenda.

“Pam Bondi is exactly what I was saying in the last segment that we should all fear, because she’s competent,” Johnson warned on MSNBC. “She knows what she’s doing about immigration... Florida has enacted all sorts of rules and laws to curtail students and what they can do on campuses and finding legal justifications for manipulating education money.”

Johnson added, “While it might be a loss in the battle [with Gaetz’s withdrawal], I don’t necessarily think it’s a victory in the war.” He cautioned that Bondi’s leadership could usher in “an authoritarian type of presidency that affects the fundamental rights of American citizens.”