Here are the four senators that did not support Matt Gaetz’s nomination as AG

Gaetz reportedly told people close to him that he did not have the support of at least four Republican Senators: John Curtis of Utah, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, per the New York Times. "Gaetz told confidants he did not want to get in a protracted confirmation battle and delay Trump from getting his attorney general in place immediately at the start of his administration," the outlet reported.

Curtis was elected in November with 62.5 percent of the vote to Democrat Caroline Gleich’s 31.8 percent and had served as a House Representative before. Collins has been in the Senate since 1997, last being elected to the office 2020. Murkowski has been in office since 2002 and was last elected in 2022. McConnell has been in the Senate since 1985 and was last elected in 2020. McConnell had served as the Republican leader in the chamber but announced in February that he was stepping down from the role.

Typically, 60 votes are needed in order to avoid the filibuster when confirming nominations. However, in recent years senators have opted for the nuclear option, a legislative process to make it so that only a simple majority, 51 votes, is needed to bring in nominations. Following the 2024 election, the Republican Party has control of the chamber 53 to 47.

Gaetz was nominated by Trump on November 13, with Gaetz resigning from his House position the same day. Trump said in his announcement that Gaetz "is a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney, trained at the William & Mary College of Law, who has distinguished himself in Congress through his focus on achieving desperately needed reform at the Department of Justice."

Gaetz on posted to X on Thursday his withdrawal, writing, "Had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback - and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition. There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I'll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump's DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1."

"I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I'm certain he will Save America." Gaetz’s nomination had been heavily criticized.

Trump wrote in response to his withdrawal, "I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!"