Trump labor secretary nominee Puzder withdraws

Andrew Puzder, President Donald Trump's nominee for the post of labor secretary, has withdrawn his nomination after allegations he employed a housekeeper who was not authorised to work in the US.

The chief executive of CKE Restaurants, parent company of fast food chains Carl’s Jr and Hardee’s, reportedly failed to pay the housekeeper's taxes for five years.

Republicans senators reportedly asked the White House not to go through with Puzder's confirmation hearing because they would not feel able to vote for him, US media reported.

In a statement, Pudzer said he was "honoured to have been considered by President Donald Trump" to head up the Labor Department.

"After careful consideration and discussions with my family, I am withdrawing my nomination for Secretary of Labor. While I won't be serving in the administration, I fully support the President and his highly qualified team."

The withdrawal adds to the chaos surrounding Trump's first three weeks in office. On Tuesday national security adviser General Michael Flynn was also forced to resign after he misled Vice President Mike Pence and others about conversations he had with Russian officials before the President took office.