Donald Trump's US attorney general pick WITHDRAWS after 'unfairly becoming a distraction'
Europe warned 'party's over' as Donald Trump stamps authority
GB News
Donald Trump's pick to be the next US attorney general, Matt Gaetz, has withdrawn his name from the running.
The former Florida Congressman said that controversy over alleged misconduct "was unfairly becoming a distraction".
"I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday, I appreciate their 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," Gaetz said in a statement online.
“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,” said the former Republican congressman from Florida.
Donald Trump's pick to be the next US attorney general, Matt Gaetz, has withdrawn his name
Getty/Reuters
“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,” he said.
Gaetz has faced a nearly three-year Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving a 17-year-old girl. He has denied the allegations.
He had also been under scrutiny by the House Ethics Committee over other claims including sexual misconduct, illicit drug use and accepting improper gifts.
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Gaetz has faced a nearly three-year Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving a 17-year-old girl
GETTYOn Wednesday, the House committee, which is evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, deadlocked on a vote to release a report on its investigation of Gaetz.
They will meet again on December 5 to “further consider this matter".
The president-elect said he appreciated Gaetz’s effort to become Attorney General.
"I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The president-elect said he appreciated Gaetz’s effort to become 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!", he wrote.
Gaetz praised the former and soon-to-be president in his statement, adding: "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."
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