Former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz has announced his withdrawal as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, citing the controversies surrounding his nomination.

In a statement released on Thursday, Gaetz explained that the allegations against him had become a "distraction" to the work of the Trump-Vance Transition team.

“While there was strong momentum for my confirmation, it is clear that my nomination was unfairly overshadowing the critical efforts of the incoming administration,” Gaetz stated. “There is no time for a protracted Washington scuffle, so I am withdrawing my name from consideration for Attorney General. The Department of Justice must be prepared and fully operational from Day 1.”

Gaetz’s decision follows reports of an ongoing federal investigation into allegations linking him to payments involving underage women, drug-fueled parties, and other associates. The investigation reportedly uncovered evidence of financial transactions tied to these claims, further intensifying scrutiny around his nomination.