BREAKING: Matt Gaetz withdraws from AG consideration, cites ‘distraction’ of his nomination

Gaetz posted on X on Thursday, "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. 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."

He added, "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."

Following his nomination, Gaetz was heavily scrutinized over accusations of sexual misconduct with a 17-year-old. However, after a DOJ investigation of the allegations, the agency did not bring any charges against him, but details about the allegations in a House Ethics Committee report on the topic were leaked to the public, raising more concerns.

Trump responded to the withdrawal, saying, "I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!"

After Trump picked Gaetz earlier this month, the Florida representative resigned his seat in Congress, which has led to the question of if he will be able to return to his seat at all. When the President-elect made the pick, Trump wrote in the announcement: "Matt will end Weaponized Government, protect our Borders, dismantle Criminal Organizations and restore Americans’ badly-shattered Faith and Confidence in the Justice Department."

The announcement spooked some in the FBI and DOJ feared that Gaetz would potentially come after senior staff legally if they misstepped in cases against Trump.