Matt Gaetz, the former Florida representative and Trump nominee for attorney general, announced Thursday that he is withdrawing as Trump’s pick for top prosecutor, citing what he described as the “distraction” his nomination had caused as a result of a whirlwind of accusations about paying minors. women for sex.

“While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation unfairly became a distraction from the critical work of the Trump/Vance transition,” Gaetz said.

“There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted scuffle in Washington, so I will withdraw my name from serving as attorney general. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1.”

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