Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name for consideration to serve as Donald Trump’s attorney general amid a string of allegations of sexual misconduct.
The former Florida congressman’s nomination was one of Mr Trump’s most controversial picks for his future administration.
He has been accused of sex trafficking and of having intercourse with a 17-year-old minor, claims which he denies.
Announcing he was withdrawing his name for the role, Mr Gaetz wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Mr Gaetz said he remains “fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful president in history.
“I will forever be honoured that president Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will save America.”
Mr Trump posted on Truth Social following the announcement.
He wrote: “I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General.
“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.
“Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”