Matt Gaetz withdraws as Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general amid sexual misconduct allegations

21 November 2024, 17:45 | Updated: 21 November 2024, 18:24

Matt Gaetz says he is withdrawing his name from consideration to be Donald Trump's attorney general.

The Former Florida Congressman had been the frontrunner to become Trump's new attorney general, with the withdrawal coming after days of debate over the release a report into alleged misconduct.

On X, formerly Twitter, the 42-year-old said that the controversy over his potential nomination "was unfairly becoming a distraction" from the role in Trump's cabinet.

Gaetz is considered a divisive figure, with the Republican and former lawyer currently facing sexual misconduct allegations over his relationship with a 17-year-old girl.

He was also being investigated over allegations of illicit drug use and misuse of campaign funds.

Gaetz continues to deny the claims, however, he hopes the decision to step back may avoid a "needlessly protracted Washington scuffle."

He continued in the tweet: “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.

Mr Gaetz said he remains “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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Trump’s DOJ has to be chosen and in place on the first day of the incoming president's tenure.

Taking to his own social media platform Truth Social, Trump said: “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.”

It comes as speaker of the House Mike Johnson advised against releasing a report into allegations of misconduct against Mr Gaetz.

Recent days had seen senior lawmakers raise concerns over the appointment of Gaetz, with many thought to have spoken with Gaetz behind-the-scenes over concerns linked to the ethics investigation.

The lack of support for Gaetz as a nominee reportedly prompted extensive talks behind the scenes to secure the approval of Senate Republicans.

It follows claims from Gaetz in recent days that he that he would not seek retribution against those who are considered enemies of Donald Trump.

“Look, I’m not going to go there and indict [the former Wyoming congresswoman] Liz Cheney, have storm troopers bust through the studio door at MSNBC, and arrest [the retired public health official] Anthony Fauci in my first week,” Gaetz told senators, according to outlet Bulwark, a pro-Trump site.