WASHINGTON, D.C. — Businessman Philip Bilden, Donald Trump’s nominee for for Navy secretary, withdrew Sunday because of concerns of being able to separate himself from his business interests, reports say.
“After an extensive review process, I have determined that I will not be able to satisfy the Office of Government Ethics requirements without undue disruption and materially adverse divestment of my family’s private financial interests,” Bilden said in a statement, according to CNN.
Earlier this month, Vincent Viola, Trump’s nominee for Army secretary, also stepped aside because of similar concerns, the Associated Press reports.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will make a recommendation to replace Bilden this week, the AP reports.
“While I am disappointed, I understand and his respect his decision and know that he will continue to support our nation in other ways,” Mattis said in a statement, Fox News reports.
Bilden’s withdraw comes less than a week after the White House denied a report from CNN that Bilden was planning to withdraw from consideration.
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