This morning, Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration for the position of Attorney General in the next administration.

Gaetz was probably the most contentious cabinet choice released so far by the incoming Trump administration. He had been under investigation for sexual involvement with an under age girl, and there were mumblings that other similar incidents involving underage girls and drugs were likely to be exposed in a confirmation hearing.

Certainly Gaetz would not be the first congressman to be accused of wrongdoing. Just this year, NJ Senator Bob Menendez resigned after being convicted of corruption for taking bribes from a foreign country. However, Gaetz was to be nominated to be the highest law enforcement official in the land. That didn’t compute—even with Republicans who normally vote along party lines.

Here’s the other thing that likely led to his downfall. Gaetz was known to be contentious. He attacked members of his own party, and he headed the drive to oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which resulted in three weeks of chaos last year before Mike Johnson was chosen as Speaker. Gaetz took no prisoners, and he had few friends on either side of the aisle.

As a result, it became apparent that too many Republican senators would not support Gaetz’ nomination. They weren’t willing to put their necks on the line for this individual.

The lesson here: Be careful what you do and who you cross on your way up the ladder. Don’t expect those you insult and step on to help you in the future. And the fall down is likely to be faster and further than the climb upward.

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