Matt Gaetz Withdraws as Trump’s Pick for Attorney General Amid Sex Allegations

Washington: Matt Gaetz, the former Florida congressman and President-elect Donald Trump 's nominee for Attorney General, announced on Thursday that he is stepping down from consideration for the top prosecutor. Gaetz cited the "distraction" caused by ongoing allegations related to accusations of paying underage women for sex as the primary reason for his withdrawal.

"While the momentum was strong, it has become clear that my confirmation was unfairly turning into a distraction from the important work of the Trump/Vance Transition," Gaetz said in a statement.

He added, "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." His withdrawal came a day after meeting with senators to seek their support for his confirmation as head of the Justice Department.

Taking to social media X, Gaetz explained that while he had received strong support and feedback from senators, he felt his confirmation was becoming a distraction.

Gaetz’s decision to step aside comes amid a swirl of controversy surrounding his nomination, marking a significant setback in the transition process for Trump's legal team.

Gaetz also expressed his continued commitment to ensuring that Trump’s presidency is successful. “I remain fully committed to seeing 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," he added.

The Florida Republican’s departure comes amid serious sexual misconduct allegations against him. Two women testified to the House Ethics Committee, claiming they were paid for “sexual favours" by Gaetz. One woman also testified that she witnessed Gaetz having sex with an underage friend in 2017. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing.