Tonight, the stunning reversal from Matt Gates, withdrawing his name after President-elect Trump

picked him for Attorney General, the former congressman taking himself out of the running to become

the nation's top law enforcement official. As NBC News learns, he was accused of not one, but two,

sexual encounters with a 17-year-old girl. Gates, who was not charged, saying he'd become a distraction.

And just in, Mr. Trump's new pick for the role.

And Mr. Trump's pick for Defense Secretary Pete Hexeth,

breaking his silence on Capitol Hill after a police report

detailing a sexual assault allegation against him became public. He denies wrongdoing, but is his nomination

in jeopardy as well. Also tonight, the storm hitting coast to coast, the first major winter

storm of the season hitting the Midwest, and bringing desperately needed rain to the northeast,

and the atmospheric river soaking the west coast.

The unexpected twist for actor Jussie Smollett, why his conviction for a hate crime hopes,

has been thrown out.

The dramatic escalation, Russia firing what it says, is a new kind of ballistic missile

at Ukraine.

The missing kayaker, police say faked his own death, sending a proof of life

video and his escape plan revealed. This is NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt.

Good evening and welcome. President-elect Donald Trump's efforts to fill key roles in his new

administration hit a big

setback today. When he's in battle choice to become the next Attorney General, Matt Gates,

withdrew his name from consideration. Gates, who immediately resigned his congressional seat

after learning of his selection last week, posted on X today that his confirmation was unfairly becoming a

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