Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz announced on X Thursday that he is withdrawing his consideration for attorney general.

The decision concludes a controversial pick for the nation’s top law enforcement officer that put a spotlight on prior allegations of sexual misconduct and other impropriety investigated by the Justice Department and House Ethics Committee.

“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,” Gaetz said in a statement posted to his X account.

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…

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 21, 2024

Earlier this week, the House Ethics Committee deadlocked along party lines whether to release a report investigating allegations against Gaetz of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor and misused state identification records.

In a statement on his social media site Truth Social, President-elect Donald Trump thanked Gaetz for accepting his nomination to the role.

“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,” Trump said in the post.

Alton Northup is news director. Contact him at [email protected].