Washington DC:

Scandal-plagued Matt Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for US attorney general, withdrew from the confirmation process on Thursday in an early blow to the incoming administration.

Gaetz was one of several eye-catching Trump picks, including Fox News host Pat Hegseth as defense secretary, vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary and billionaire Elon Musk to head the government’s cost-cutting unit. was added for

A congressional panel was investigating Gaetz’s alleged illegal activity, including the sexual abuse of a 17-year-old girl — which he denies — as well as drug use and misappropriation of campaign funds. Usage

Due to widespread opposition, including from within his own Republican Party, he faced an uphill battle to win Senate confirmation for the attorney general’s top legal role.

“I had wonderful meetings with senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful comments — and the incredible support of so many,” Gaetz said on X.

I had a wonderful meeting with the senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support from so many people. While the momentum was strong, it was clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the important work of the Trump/Vance…

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 21, 2024

“While momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly distracting from the important work of the Trump/Vance transition.”

Gaetz was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016 and won re-election this month, but resigned as a member of Congress shortly after Trump picked him to be attorney general.

“Matt has an amazing future, and I look forward to seeing all the great things he will do,” Trump said in response to his resignation.

Several of Trump’s nominations have drawn criticism, and the latest transfer scandal came as tantalizing new details emerged about defense candidate Hegseth.

He was investigated after an unidentified woman complained he was sexually assaulted at a 2017 conference in California.

The New York Times reported details from the police investigation, which was closed without Higseth being charged.

The married woman told officers she suffered from memory loss and thought she might have had too much to drink, while Hegseth said the encounter was consensual.

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