House committee reportedly told of second sexual encounter between Matt Gaetz and 17-year-old – live

Gaetz withdrew his attorney general nomination and said the process was unfairly becoming a distraction' to Trump transition

• Gaetz withdraws from consideration to be attorney general
• Analysis: Those who try to emulate Teflon Trump often come unstuck - just ask Gaetz

The reactions to Matt Gaetz's surprise withdrawal of his attorney general nomination are coming in.

First up is California's Democratic representative Eric Swalwell, who took to X and wrote:

As I said repeatedly last week, Matt Gaetz is never, ever becoming Attorney General.

Like ever."

I had excellent meetings with senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback - and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.

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. I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I'm certain he will Save America."