Political strategist Steve Bannon said former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s (R-Fla.) withdrawal from the attorney general nomination was a “casualty” for the Republican Party. “We took a casualty today. One of the best warriors we have, in all his imperfections — and he’s quite imperfect, as Donald Trump is imperfect, as Stephen K. Bannon is super imperfect,” he said on his on his "War Room" podcast, in a clip highlighted by Mediaite. He went on to list Tucker Carlson, Vivek Ramaswamy, Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy as also being "imperfect." “Very, very, very imperfect instruments. But in that imperfection is some of their power,” he said. Gaetz faced criticism over alleged drug use and sexual assault allegations. The House Ethics Committee investigated his actions, resulting in a report that still has not been publicly released. Gaetz decided to withdraw his nomination amid mounting speculation that he wouldn't have been able to get the Senate votes needed to for confirmation. Bannon reiterated that the choice would leave an open seat up for grabs in a special election although President-elect Trump supported Gaetz's decision. “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!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.