Matthew Petersen drew national attention when he failed to answer rapid-fire queries from the Republican senator John KennedyA White House official said on Monday that the Trump judicial nominee whose qualifications were questioned by Republican senator has withdrawn his nomination. A White House official says Petersen has withdrawn his nomination and that Trump has accepted the withdrawal. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to discuss the development publicly. Trump's judicial picks: 'The goal is to end the progressive state' Read morePetersen is currently serving as a commissioner with the Federal Election Commission. Trump nominated him for the prestigious and pivotal federal circuit court of the District of Columbia in September.

Source: The Guardian December 18, 2017 20:03 UTC