Former Rep. Matt Gaetz announced Thursday he was removing himself from consideration to become President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general, ending a weeklong fixation in Washington, D.C., on Trump’s surprise choice to lead the Department of Justice.

Gaetz said in a statement that after meeting with numerous senators and attracting a barrage of media attention over his confirmation pursuit, it had become apparent that his nomination was “unfairly becoming a distraction.”

“I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback – and the incredible support of so many,” Gaetz said. “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, a controversial firebrand, came under intense scrutiny for DOJ and House Ethics Committee investigations related to sex trafficking allegations. Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing, but the inquiries captivated Washington in the wake of his nomination.

“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,” Gaetz said. “Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1.”

This story is developing.