Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) abruptly withdrew his bid to be President-elect Donald Trump's next attorney general.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Gaetz claimed he was withdrawing from the process to prevent becoming a "distraction."
"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," the former congressman wrote. "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," he added.
Gaetz recently resigned his position in Congress before the House Ethics Committee could release a report on sexual misconduct allegations. Gaetz has denied that he sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl.