Matt Gaetz has announced his withdrawal from consideration for attorney general in Donald Trump’s incoming administration, saying his nomination had become a “distraction” to the work of the president-elect and his team.

In a statement, the Florida Congressman said his confirmation process had unfairly become a “needless protracted Washington scuffle” that could disrupt critical preparations for the Department of Justice. 

The decision comes during a tumultuous period for Mr Gaetz, marked by several high-profile controversies.

The congressman remains under a federal investigation into alleged sex trafficking and other misconduct, claims he has repeatedly denied as baseless and politically motivated. 

The inquiry, which first came to light in 2021, has recently intensified amid speculation about potential charges. 

Federal investigators traced a network of payments involving Mr Gaetz and his associates, revealing alleged connections to drug-fueled sex parties and payments to women, including one who was a minor at the time. 

Documents obtained by The New York Times outline Venmo transactions totalling around $10,000, with individual encounters costing between $200 and $500. 

The investigation has also uncovered testimony linking Mr Gaetz to a 17-year-old girl who attended one of the parties, with payments reportedly made by his associate, Joel Greenberg. 

A recent report also emerged about a hacker gaining access to sensitive files containing testimony from individuals accusing Mr Gaetz of misconduct, including underage sexual relationships.

Mr Gaetz thanked Mr Trump for the nomination and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the president-elect’s efforts to “save America.”