Republican says nomination process was ‘unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition’

Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration as Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general, saying his “confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition”.

In a full statement on Thursday, Gaetz, who has been swept in a series of sexual allegation controversies and whose nomination has received widespread backlash from Democrats and former White House officials, said:

“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. 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.”

“As far as the media is concerned, it’s very simple. The matter was fully investigated, and I was completely cleared, and that’s where I’m gonna leave it.”