Matt Gaetz withdrew Thursday as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general following continued scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on the former congressman's ability to be confirmed as the nation's chief federal law enforcement officer. The Florida Republican's announcement came one day after meeting with senators in an effort to win their support for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department. Gaetz made the announcement Thursday on social media. "I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday," Gaetz said in his tweet. "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 Transition." "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," he continued. "I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history." "I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I'm certain he will Save America," he concluded. Gaetz’s withdrawal is a blow to Trump’s push to install steadfast loyalists in his incoming administration and the first sign that Trump could face resistance from members of his own party. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/regional/florida/gaetz-withdraws-as-trump-attorney-general-pick/67-58a4f441-40ba-413c-b1e1-2f94080a4ab4