Gaetz withdraws as Trump's attorney general nominee, sidestepping Senate confirmation fight

Matt Gaetz has withdrawn as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general amid scrutiny from a federal sex trafficking investigation. His decision, announced on Thursday, avoids a potential confirmation battle in the Senate. Gaetz's withdrawal is a setback for Trump, who aimed to appoint loyalists to his administration. Gaetz stated that his confirmation was becoming a distraction from the transition work. The investigation into Gaetz includes allegations of paying for sex and involvement with an underage girl. He has denied any wrongdoing and previously resigned from Congress, but his political future remains uncertain.