Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz withdraws as Trump’s nominee for attorney general

NEW YORK, Nov 21 (SABAH): Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration to become attorney general after days of debate over whether to release a report on sexual misconduct allegations against him.

On X, formerly Twitter, the 42-year-old said that the controversy over his potential nomination “was unfairly becoming a distraction” to the work of the incoming Trump administration.

The report included the findings of a probe sparked by allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use.

Gaetz has denied the claims but said that he hoped to avoid a “needlessly protracted Washington scuffle.”

The withdrawal of Gaetz – who was chosen to be the top US law enforcement officer – represents a setback for Trump.

In his post on X, formerly Twitter, Gaetz said that Trump’s justice department “must be in place and ready” on the first day of his administration in January.

“I remain fully committed to see that Donald J Trump is the most successful president in history,” he wrote.

“I will forever be honoured that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will save America,” Gaetz added.