After being clouded in sexual misconduct allegations, Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration to become Donald Trumps' attorney general. 

The former Republican congressman says he felt he was becoming a distraction, and didn't want to waste time on a "scuffle". 

US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Gaetz had faced intense scrutiny over a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use. 

He says this is the first loss from Team Trump, who has been issuing threats to keep Senators in line. 

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• Matt Gaetz withdraws as Donald Trump’s attorney general pick