Former congressman Matt Gates is withdrawing as a candidate for the Justice Department, he said Thursday.

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

In his post, the former Florida congressman writes, among other things, that “despite the momentum being strong, it’s clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance transition.

“There is no time to waste in an unnecessarily protracted confrontation in Washington, so I will withdraw my name as a nominee for Attorney General.

“Trump’s Justice Department needs to be in place and ready on Day 1.”

Gage was Donald Trump’s choice for a key department. His nomination was subject to Senate approval.