Donald Trump's attorney general pick Matt Gaetz withdraws from consideration

DONALD TRUMP’S PICK for attorney general Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration for the top law enforcement position in the US government.

Gaetz’s selection by Trump has been mired in controversy since it was announced.  

Even members of his own Republican Party had come out against his nomination. 

The Florida Republican’s announcement came one day after meeting with senators in an effort to win their support for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department.

Gaetz announced his withdrawal in a post on X, saying he had “excellent” meetings with senators and he appreciated “thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many”.  

“While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” the Republican congressman said.  

“There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General.  Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1.

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“I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history.  I will forever be honoured that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will Save America.” 

Donald Trump said in a social media post: “I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General.

“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.”

Gaetz’s announcement came days after an attorney for two women said that his clients told House Ethics Committee investigators that he paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017, when Gaetz was a Florida congressman.

He resigned from the House after Trump announced he would nominate him for the Cabinet.

One of the women testified she saw Mr Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old at a party in Florida in 2017, according to the attorney, Joel Leppard.

Leppard has said that his client testified she did not think Gaetz knew the girl was underage, stopped their relationship when he found out and did not resume it until after she turned 18. The age of consent in Florida is 18.

Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and said last year that the Justice Department’s investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls had ended with no federal charges against him.

With reporting from Press Association

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