The collective sigh of relief from numerous Republicans (and Democrats) is palpable.

President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for attorney general, Matt Gaetz, has officially removed himself from consideration.

Following his substantial electoral victory, Trump’s plan to overhaul Washington has become apparent. While this ambitious goal is commendable, many of the recent Cabinet picks he has announced appear questionable and even troubling.

Gaetz, who faced a House Ethics Committee investigation due to claims of sexual misconduct and drug use, epitomized this troubling trend.

It’s evident, even to his supporters, that Trump needs oversight for the betterment of both himself and the nation.

Senate Republicans acted as that necessary oversight by opposing Trump’s choice of Gaetz, which is a reassuring indication that our system of checks and balances remains operational.

Our democratic republic is safeguarded for now. Gaetz’s withdrawal is a triumph for the nation — and oddly enough for Trump, who has dodged the repercussions of an ill-considered initial decision.

Senate Republicans took a firm stance

Scrutiny of Gaetz heightened following Trump’s announcement that he wanted the former Florida congressman to head the Department of Justice.

After being re-elected this month, Gaetz stepped down from the House upon his nomination announcement. This resignation led the House Ethics Committee to halt its investigation regarding allegations of his sexual involvement with underage girls.

Nonetheless, Senate Republicans on the Judiciary Committee stood firm. Texas Senator John Cornyn stated to The Wall Street Journal that the committee intended to summon witnesses to testify regarding the allegations against Gaetz. This would bring all the sordid details into the public domain.

Republican Senators Joni Ernst of Iowa and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska supported Cornyn’s stance, demonstrating their readiness to confront Trump.

The Senate confirmation proceedings were set to be a disaster for both Gaetz and Trump, likely resulting in an unfavorable bipartisan vote against the nomination.

Trump’s turbulent nature

The nearly 77 million Americans who supported Trump are clearly seeking change. Many advocate for more conservative ideologies, while others wish for new representatives who will challenge the established order in Washington.

However, Trump’s track record of chaos is well-documented. His choice of loyalists for key roles has not alleviated concerns about his governance in a second term.

Trump may very well fulfill his commitments to strengthen the economy for working-class Americans, enhance border security, and restore stability in a world on the brink of conflict.

Yet, he must have limits and include diverse viewpoints in the Republican-controlled Congress to temper his more volatile tendencies.

In this latest chapter of Washington’s real-life “House of Cards,” we witnessed key figures strategizing their next moves. Fortunately, Senate Republicans demonstrated that even the lead character does not always have the final say.