MARTIN, Tenn. (AP) — Losing a Cabinet nominee to the confirmation process isn't unheard of for incoming presidents — including for Donald Trump when he was elected the first time.
Matt Gaetz's decision to pull his name Thursday from consideration for attorney general — amid continued fallout over a federal sex trafficking investigation — represents the first indication of resistance that the president-elect could face from his own party, including picks facing allegations of sexual misconduct or other questions.
Here's a look at some recent difficulties with presidential Cabinet picks and some of the criticism for Trump's current slate:
After Gaetz was chosen last week, Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Judiciary Committee member who is among Trump's top Senate allies, predicted Gaetz would “have to answer some tough questions” in a confirmation hearing.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, a Trump critic, said of Gaetz, “I do not see him as a serious candidate.”
Other Trump picks face questions, too.
Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for defense secretary, was accused by a woman of sexually assaulting her in 2017. Hegseth has denied her allegations.
Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic congresswoman chosen to be director of national intelligence, has expressed sympathy for Russia and repeated false Russian theories about Ukrainian bioweapons. Gabbard, a military veteran who became one of Trump’s top 2024 surrogates, has attracted criticism for meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and has voiced skepticism that Assad was behind chemical attacks on his own people.
Nikki Haley, who was the last major GOP opponent against Trump for this year’s presidential nomination, argued against confirming Gabbard, saying the post was “not a place for a Russian, Iranian, Syrian, Chinese sympathizer.”
Haley also said Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — Trump's pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services — should face “hard questions” from senators due to his opposition to vaccines and other views decried by public health officials.
“He’s a liberal Democrat, environmental attorney trial lawyer who will now be overseeing 25% of our federal budget and has no background in healthcare,” Haley said. “So some of you may think RFK is cool, some of you may like that he questions what’s in our food and what’s in our vaccines, but we don’t know, when he is given reins to an agency, what decisions he’s going to make behind the scenes.”
Republicans will have 53 votes in the Senate in January and can break 50-50 ties with Vice President-elect JD Vance. That means four Republicans would have to break ranks to defeat any nominee if all Democrats oppose a Trump pick.
Every recent president has had some doomed Cabinet nominations — including Trump himself.
In early 2017, Trump’s choice for labor secretary was the first Trump nominee to withdraw his name from consideration. Fast food CEO Andrew Puzder’s exit came after Republicans expressed concern over his failure to pay taxes promptly on a former housekeeper who wasn’t authorized to work in the U.S., and Democrats had complaints about Puzder’s business record and remarks about women and workers at his company, which owns Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr.
Puzder’s name has been floated recently again as a possible pick in Trump’s second administration.
Trump also ousted his first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, after just weeks on the job because Flynn wasn’t truthful about his contacts with Russian officials during the transition.
The first year of Trump’s first term, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price resigned after his costly travel triggered investigations that overshadowed the administration’s agenda and angered his boss, serving less than eight months. According to the Brookings Institution, which tracks presidential administration turnover, Trump’s first term resulted in the turnover of a total of 14 people, nearly twice the amount — 8 people — of President George H.W. Bush’s term in office, a distant second place.
Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and both Bush and his son George W. Bush all had to come up with new names after nominees for their Cabinets ran into trouble.
Obama took three tries to find a secretary of commerce. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson withdrew his name after the word surfaced that a grand jury was investigating allegations of wrongdoing in the awarding of contracts in his state. Republican Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire backed out citing “irresolvable differences” with the policies of the Democratic president.
In 2001, Linda Chavez — George W. Bush's pick for labor secretary — swiftly withdrew after it emerged that she had housed an immigrant living in the country illegally.
Bill Clinton went through several attempts at selecting an attorney general, nominating Janet Reno after both of his first two choices withdrew over word that they had hired people who had been in the U.S. illegally for household work and babysitting.
The Senate rejected George H.W. Bush’s defense secretary pick, former Texas Sen. John Tower, in 1989 after several waves of reports over allegations of alcohol abuse and womanizing.
Associated Press writer Nancy Benac in Washington contributed to this report.
Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP
President-elect Donald Trump arrives before the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 in Boca Chica, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Pool via AP)
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, speaks with reporters following a meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
FILE - Tulsi Gabbard speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
Matt Gaetz talks before President-elect Donald Trump speaks during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
ATLANTA (AP) — Aaron Philo scrambled for a go-ahead 18-yard touchdown run with 22 seconds remaining and Georgia Tech escaped with a 30-29 win over N.C. State on Thursday night after losing the lead with less than 2 minutes remaining.
Georgia Tech (7-4, 5-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) lost the lead with 1:30 remaining when Hollywood Smothers broke free for a 53-yard touchdown run for N.C. State (5-6, 2-5).
Philo had the answer with his go-ahead scoring run that he said was like a childhood dream.
“That was the moment you dream of, ever since you were a little kid,” Philo said. “I couldn’t ask for a better moment.”
Georgia Tech coach Brent Key said Philo “was smart and saw it and took off and ran.”
Philo's last-minute drama almost wasn't enough. The Wolfpack moved to the Georgia Tech 41 but Collin Smith's last-second, 58-yard field goal attempt was wide left.
The Wolfpack had three scoring runs by freshman quarterback CJ Bailey, but Bailey also threw three interceptions.
E.J. Lightsey returned an interception 21 yards for a touchdown for Georgia Tech, which led 23-21 before Smothers' go-ahead scoring run. Bailey ran for a 2-point conversion as N.C. State (6-5, 3-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) became bowl eligible.
Romello Height's interception of a Bailey pass with 6:44 remaining set up Haynes King's 3-yard scoring run.
Georgia Tech capped a perfect 5-0 home schedule at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Wolfpack fell short in their bid to become bowl eligible.
Bailey showed his athleticism on his 16-yard scoring run late in the opening quarter and a 28-yard touchdown scamper on the first play of the fourth.
Georgia Tech led only 13-7 at halftime after being held without an offensive touchdown. Aidan Birr kicked field goals of 44 and 41 yards. Birr added a 45-yarder in the third quarter for a 16-7 lead. The kick was set up by Philo's 49-yard pass to Eric Singleton.
Even with all the late-game drama, N.C. State coach Dave Doeren still said Lightsey's first-quarter interception was painful.
“We did a lot of good things there third and fourth quarter but the opening shovel pass that ricochets into their guy’s hands was a tough play for us,” Doeren said.
N.C. State: Bailey, who became the starter when Grayson McCall retired following concussion issues, couldn't lead a consistent drive in the first half other than on his inventive scoring run. ... DE Davin Vann was knocked out of the game with an injury early in the second period. Vann, who leads the nation with five forced fumbles, was escorted to the locker room.
Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets struggled to establish their running game after rushing for 281 yards in their 28-23 upset of then-No. 4 Miami on Nov. 9. Jamal Haynes ran for only 36 yards on 13 carries and King ran for only 18 yards on eight carries while Philo handled most of the snaps at quarterback. Philo completed 19 of 33 passes for a career-high 265 yards.
N.C. State: Closes its regular season at North Carolina on Nov. 30.
Georgia Tech: Plays at No. 8 Georgia on Nov. 29.
Georgia Tech linebacker E.J. Lightsey (2) runs in a touchdown celebrating after an interception during the first half of an NCAA college football game North Carolina State, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia Tech wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. (2) misses a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia Tech wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. (2) misses a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia Tech linebacker E.J. Lightsey (2) runs in a touchdown after an interception during the first half of an NCAA college football game North Carolina State, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
North Carolina State wide receiver Kevin Concepcion (10) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia Tech defensive back Clayton Powell-Lee (5) tackles Georgia Tech wide receiver Abdul Janneh Jr. (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia Tech linebacker E.J. Lightsey (2) celebrates a touchdown after an interception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia Tech linebacker E.J. Lightsey (2) celebrates a touchdown after an interception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
North Carolina State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) runs the ball in for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia Tech quarterback Aaron Philo (12) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
North Carolina State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) runs the ball in for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia Tech linebacker E.J. Lightsey (2) runs in a touchdown after an interception during the first half of an NCAA college football game North Carolina State, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia Tech linebacker E.J. Lightsey (2) celebrates a touchdown after an interception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King (10) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
North Carolina State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia Tech linebacker Trenilyas Tatum (0) blocks a pass thrown by North Carolina State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia Tech linebacker Trenilyas Tatum (0) blocks a pass thrown by North Carolina State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Georgia Tech wide receiver Avery Boyd (9) runs the ball against North Carolina State linebacker Sean Brown (0) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
