Schmitt withdraws name from Trump attorney general consideration

Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) is no longer in the running to become the next attorney general in President-elect Trump’s incoming administration.

Schmitt, a top ally of the former president, told Trump's transition team that he's withdrawing his name from consideration to become the nation’s top cop.

The former Missouri attorney general will instead refocus his attention on the judiciary by helping Trump shepherd judges through the upper chamber and work to enact his agenda. 

“I ran for the U.S. Senate to represent the people of the Show Me State and I’m just getting started,” Schmitt wrote on X. “The American people have given President @realDonaldTrump a mandate. A mandate to secure our border, make America energy dominant and fight for the forgotten men and women of this country.” 

“We need America First fighters who don’t just say they support the agenda but who are willing to stand in the breach and actually fight for it and for the hopes and dreams of the American people,” Schmitt continued. “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and be a champion for President Trump in the Senate.”

Schmitt was believed to be a top candidate for the post alongside the likes of Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and former Trump administration official Jeffrey Clark. 

This is not the first time Schmitt has decided against seeking a potentially career-advancing position as he spurned a run to helm the Senate GOP’s campaign committee and 2026 midterm efforts.