On Thursday morning, Trump was still calling Republican senators to gauge Gaetz’s chances.
But by lunchtime, the nominee had come to the conclusion he didn’t have the votes and he again shocked Washington with the announcement that he was showing himself the door.
“While the momentum was strong,” he posted on X, “it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.”
Trump’s post on Truth Social confirming the volte-face – his first political setback since his election 16 days earlier – was unusually muted for the president-elect.
“I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General,” he wrote, adding that the nominee did not wish to be a “distraction”.
Hours later, Trump nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi instead for the post.
While Trump predicted a “wonderful future” for Gaetz, a question mark hangs over what he will do next.
He was comfortably re-elected this month, but there are already plans for a special election to fill his vacated seat.
Randy Ross, a Florida-based fundraiser for Trump, told the BBC that America had not heard the last of Matt Gaetz.
“My opinion is there’s still a spot in Trump’s administration, Florida or our country’s future leadership for this patriot,” said Mr Ross. “We all look forward to his next steps.”
Meanwhile, Ginger Gaetz, who wed the congressman in 2021, posted an old photo on X following his withdrawal of them both on the steps on Capitol Hill.
“The end of an era,” she commented.